It's easy to get lost in the vortex of your job and forget to develop your personal skills and abilities. September is a time for reflection. It's also a natural time for goal setting and a prime time for new beginnings. I know that it's a fine time to re-commit oneself to being a lifelong learner. Interesting courses are starting soon.
While it's important to stay current with business trends and the ideas being discussed in our industry, there's more to being a lifelong learner. It's about the breadth of life: about learning things that are not essential to our work.
Some people find it difficult to have conversations that are not related to their work or their children. They allow little time for other things in their busy days. This can work against them. This can even squeeze out a meaningful personal life.
When was the last time you read a book that was not related to your work? Do you subscribe to magazines for pleasure? Tell me about the last play or movie you saw? What new ideas have you opened yourself to recently?
There can be room for other things in your life. You can make the time. Your career will become even stronger if you get away. You'll return with a new perspective; new information. You can start small. Choose one thing that you really want to do – and book it into your schedule. It may be a daylong workshop or visit to the local Art Gallery.
Hobbies reduce stress. When I took a life drawing course, I was amazed by the meditative mindset that my complete focus generated. Total concentration allowed me to escape every thought that came with me to class. I left feeling refreshed and recharged. When I played indoor soccer one winter, I felt like a teen again. It was all consuming. There is very little that can distract you when you're chasing down the ball with an opponent in hot pursuit.
September is a good time to look at your own personal development. It's a new term in schools. Is it time to study photography, learn a new language or sing a new tune in a choir? Make time to learn new things – not directly related to your work life. It will keep your brain active and new thoughts and ideas will come home with you – to enrich your personal life.
Elizabeth Verwey owns and operates Small Office Mentors in Toronto. This seasoned entrepreneur writes, speaks and consults on saving time and money – so we can take time to play! www.officementors.comElizabeth Verwey is the keynote speaker at this year's PCPC Annual General Meeting. Return to PCPC AGM 2007 page