Balancing Personal and Professional Growth: Why outside development matters

This past Thursday has been 10 years since my wife and I bought our first house - the same one we have lived in since.

Ten years ago I never would have imagined the amount that I’ve learned.

I’m not talking professionally either. 

I’m talking about other skill sets. 

Ten years ago I could barely work a skill saw.

I was horrible with a drill set - or screw gun as I like to call it! 😂 

I didn’t know much about electric - other than I better turn the whole house breaker off before touching anything. 

I didn’t know what paint or brushes to use for certain jobs.

And I certainly didn’t know a damn thing about plumbing.

After 10 years of owning our first house, I can confidently say without hesitation I have learned many skills and lessons.

And after 10 years, I would say I am decently competent!

LinkedIn is a social platform for professionals, but I think we all know that personal and professional overlaps all the time.

It is why I sometimes get disappointed when we don’t acknowledge growth and development or new learned skills that are outside the workplace.

So I am here to say “Congratulations, and great job!” to all those people who are learning outside of work about things that aren’t work related.

Your growth and learning matters.

And I want to let you know that it is okay to step away from professional learning and try something completely new not related to work. 

You don’t have to do both at the same time. 

It is okay to take a break from reading the next new business leadership book and take time to learn how tile, sew, build a bench, stain wood, or whatever.

What is important and should be celebrated is that you are challenging yourself and trying something new!

It is as simple as that. 

The act of trying something new will correlate into your job eventually. The act and process of learning a new skill builds individual resilience and confidence. So the next time something new comes up in the workplace or a change is on the horizon, you won’t be scared, apprehensive, or worried.

So take a break from pushing yourself and “grinding” professionally. 

Learn a life skill or try something different. 

Week 37 of 52