Dear Izzy, I am interested in advancing my career, yet I am hesitant because of the time commitment it will require, especially when trying to balance work with my family life.
Any suggestions for managing this type of decision and taking the next steps?
“Don’t be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of. One man gets only a week’s value out of a year while another man gets a full year’s value out of a week.” – Charles Richards.
Anyone who manages family, work and personal time and is able to get to work on time (!) already shows some significant skill in managing time.
Often, we find that if we ask a busy person to do something, usually it will get done quicker than if we ask someone with time on their hands. Why?
The efficient ones already have developed skills to make the most of the hour/day/week, but at what cost? Sometimes the most efficient people find the quickest ways to burn out.
So, if efficiency can only take us so far when we want to add the role of student to our busy work lives, what will take us further?
Tip 1: One of the key skills that I’ve seen in successful, happy, and very busy people is that they schedule their PERSONAL time first and give it more weight than their work commitments. You can tell those who value and commit to their self-care and personal time. It may only take 20 minutes each day, but it certainly makes a difference in the clarity of thought and lower effort needed to produce excellent results.
Take, for example, my first business mentor. He started meditating in the ’60s and early ’70s, took an idea that came from his meditation one morning, and turned that idea into a multi-billion dollar business that now provides emergency support to 90% of the firefighters worldwide.
He had a positive attitude back then, knowing that he’s given himself the 20 minutes of self-care. He still has his positive attitude, now having responsibility for the job security of hundreds of staff (many now meditate daily).
He would agree that the key to advancing your career;“is in not spending time, but in investing it.” – Stephen R. Covey.
How we use our time is valuable, but not more valuable than taking care of ourselves to be around to invest it.
Self-care is the key to being able to manage time effectively and healthily. Once we feel grounded, strong, and clear, we make sound decisions more often and focus more fully on the task at hand.
Once we have the self-care time fully prioritized, what else can we do to add more to our plate successfully?
Tip 2: Advancing your career may mean getting to study and learn more about your specialized subject! It’s such a great excuse to dive deep, grow and develop your expertise!
I’m going back to school in a few weeks to learn more about Military arts and science. My next job is to schedule my classes… but I’ll go and meditate first!
Tip 3: Ask for help. There’s a good chance that going back to school will help you in your work. Actively using your brain in one area will help your brain be honed in another.
If you decide to go to school to advance your career, then school can help to develop your ability to produce sound decision-making when presented with two or more opposing views – skills which can certainly be used at home and work!
With that in mind, it’s ok to ask for help. Reach out to your colleagues, family, boss, and friends. Have their input in your planning process as you take on a task.
Enjoy the opportunity to hone your skills.
Take good care of you for me, Izzy.
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