The Secrets to Lifelong Learning and Staying Ahead in Your Career

Did you know that professionals who commit to lifelong learning are more likely to be promoted and earn higher salaries? It’s true! 

On the flip side, there’s nothing that will stifle your career faster than becoming complacent in your abilities.

No matter how good you are today, you can be better tomorrow. If there’s something you don’t know but believe could advance your career, you can become skilled at it with some research and practice.

Lifelong learning isn’t just a buzzword—it’s your key to unlocking new opportunities, enhancing your career, and achieving true independence, both emotionally and financially. For young women striving for independence, embracing continuous learning can set you apart and put you on a path to lasting success.

People often ask me why I’ve stayed at the same company for over a decade. While I love the culture and benefits (here’s how to choose the right company for you), the truth is that I’m here because I learn something new every day.

Whether it’s how to run the business, a new sales technique, or something amazing from a client, there’s always something to learn. And having more knowledge will never be a bad thing.

Learning about every aspect of the business has allowed me to move into my current role, Vice President of Operations. To operate effectively, I need to understand what each department is responsible for, plus leadership, finance, HR, and more. By constantly learning, I outgrew my old role and demonstrated my value across the corporation.

Pushing Yourself Out of Your Comfort Zone

Lately, I’ve been pushing myself even further when it comes to learning new things.

When the opportunity arose to take a sales course, I jumped at it. I’m comfortable with sales, but I had never taken a formal sales course, and the idea of mock sales conversations made me nervous.

But imagine if I could learn new techniques to close even more sales. Even a small improvement in my close rates would make a big difference. And the best part? This skill is transferable—I can take it anywhere I go.

I also signed up for a workshop to dive deeper into the technical side of the marketing platform we use. I’m not expected to have this skill, but I sell it, so why not learn it? The workshop wasn’t easy, but no one knew who I was, so I felt free to immerse myself and gain a new skill.

Easy Hacks to Enhance Your Learning Every Day

Start Listening to Podcasts: Podcasts are a goldmine of knowledge, and they’re free! You can listen to genius-level conversations while commuting, exercising, or doing chores. Try these:

• The Tim Ferriss Show: Tim interviews top performers across various industries, offering insights into their routines, habits, and advice.
• How I Built This: Guy Raz interviews entrepreneurs about how they built their companies from the ground up.
• The Goal Digger Podcast: Jenna Kutcher shares business and marketing tips for women looking to level up their careers.

Make Time to Read: I try to read at least one book a week. If someone spent a year or more writing a book, it’s likely packed with life-changing insights. You can find books for around $20 or even for free at the library. Here are my top eight books to get you started.

Leverage Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy offer affordable courses tailored to your career goals. These give you the freedom to try, fail, and overcome your fears. Here are a few great courses:

• Coursera’s "Introduction to Marketing": Taught by Wharton School professors, this course is perfect for honing your marketing skills.
• LinkedIn Learning’s "Developing Executive Presence": Build confidence and improve your communication, crucial for leadership roles.
• Udemy’s "Excel Skills for Business Professionals": Enhance your data analysis skills with hands-on Excel practice.

Join Professional Networks: Surround yourself with like-minded women who value growth. Join online communities, attend webinars, and participate in industry events to stay informed and inspired. I’ve heard you’re a combination of the five people you spend the most time with. Who do you want influencing who you become?

Here are some communities to check out:

• Lean In Circles: Small groups of women who support each other in achieving their goals.
• Ellevate Network: A global community focused on career advancement with online and in-person events.
• Ladies Get Paid: Hosts workshops, networking events, and an online community for women leveling up in their careers.

Apply What You Learn: The key to lifelong learning is applying new knowledge.

• Volunteer for Projects: Seek opportunities within your company to work on cross-functional teams, even outside your department.
• Seek Mentorship: Reach out to women in leadership roles who inspire you and ask if they would mentor you.
• Take on Freelance Work: If your current role doesn’t allow for certain experiences, consider freelancing to gain new skills and build your portfolio.

• Volunteer in Your Community: Offer your skills for a nonprofit you believe to put your new skills into practice and help people around you.

The experience you gain might just be the reason you land your dream job.

Why Become a Lifelong Learner?

The job market is constantly evolving, with new skills and technologies emerging every day. Committing to lifelong learning keeps you relevant in your career and positions you as a valuable asset in any industry. Whether it’s mastering new software, learning a second language, or developing soft skills like leadership and communication, every new skill amplifies your career trajectory.

So, dive into courses outside your comfort zone. Pick up a book on a new topic. Listen to a podcast or watch a YouTube channel that sparks your creativity.

But never, ever be complacent. Gather as much knowledge as your brain can hold. Your career will only benefit—now and in the future.

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