Last week we discussed #goals. This week, we’ll talk about how to achieve those goals.
Here’s a simple step-by-step process that takes a lot of time and effort:
Step 1: Learn from the pros.
Step 2: Do what the pros do.
Step 3: Achieve goal.
No matter what your goals is – writing a book, becoming a MIG and TIG welder, budgeting your finances – the best way to fulfill those goals is to learn from the pros. Contrary to popular belief, a lot of pros want to share how they became a success because what they do is important to them. And who better to learn from than someone who already figured it out? Ideally, learning from a pro is done in person, such as job shadowing or an apprenticeship, but that’s not always an option, which is okay. There are other ways to learn!
Learning isn’t just for students. Learning is not limited to the classroom. You don’t stop learning when you get a diploma and not having earned a diploma doesn’t mean you can’t pursue your dreams.
Lifelong learning is necessary for everyone with goals.
I believe in the value of higher education, but I recognize that going to college or starting a job training program isn’t the only way to learn. We must think outside the box for various avenues to learn, which is fun and easy to do in this technology-driven world. My favorite ways to learn are:
- Visit a library. There are seriously SO many opportunities to learn within a library – and I don’t just mean the books. (Although you should try reading books, reading eBooks, and/or listening to Audiobooks, too.) Many libraries offer events and workshops, and they are usually free – no library card required.
- Visit a local college or university. They often host well-informed speakers (pros, if you will) for lectures and present cultural events, and many of these are open to the public at little or no cost. Also, look into their non-credit offerings. You can’t earn a degree when you take them (non-credit = no credit earned toward a degree), but you can learn a lot of amazing things for a low cost. (My mom and I took a few cake decorating classes a few years ago. We spent less than $100 between the two of us and had a blast. I also learned that I won’t be starting a cake decorating business anytime soon.) Check a college’s website or call them up to see what they offer. They aren’t just there for their students. They are there for their community; they are there for you.
- Attend workshops and training opportunities. Personally, I seek out opportunities through my employers and my local libraries, but a quick search on Eventbrite shows a variety of local options. You might have to pay for these if your employer is not.
- Listen to podcasts. Podcasts opened up a whole new world for me! There are so many experts on various topics out there who answer questions and inform their audience on their specific area of expertise.
Here are few resources I have found inspirational and insightful.
Books: 48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller; Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies about Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be by Rachel Hollis; and Live Fearless: A Call to Power, Passion, and Purpose by Sadie Robertson.
Podcasts: The Ken Coleman Show, EntreLeadership, Christy Wright’s Business Boutique, and Life Money and Hope with Chris Brown. If you’re not listening to podcasts, you should be. There are so many out there! These are just a few I listen to for free on CastBox, which is a free app for Android and IOS.
You know what’s crazy?
Learning to fulfill your goals can also get your creativity flowing again when you’re tired.
Creativity is intertwined with the rest of your life, so keep on learning.
Challenge: Do one of the above bullet points this week and let me know how it goes in the comments.
Quest Type 