Ever feel like personal development is just one more thing on your already overflowing to-do list? You’re not alone. In my 20 years as an executive coach, I’ve seen countless professionals struggle with the idea that personal development is just another job on top of your current job. It’s easy to feel like you must add “improve myself” to the never-ending list of responsibilities you already juggle.
Instead Of vs. During
But what if I told you there’s a different way to think about it? What if, instead of viewing personal development as an additional task, you could integrate it seamlessly into your workday? This mindset shift can make a difference, helping you work on your personal growth without throwing your schedule out of whack. And let’s be honest—who among us has spare time? None of us, right? So, how do you make this shift? It’s all about using deliberate practice. Deliberate practice is a focused, intentional approach to improvement, and it’s the key to making personal development part of your daily routine.
First, set a small, specific goal for your day.
This goal should be achievable and measurable, like building rapport with colleagues, asking open-ended questions, or being more assertive at work. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s deliberate and meaningful to you.
Once you’ve got your goal, keep it in your mind as you go about your day. Look for opportunities to practice your goal during your regular interactions. For instance, if you’ve decided to work on being more assertive, seize moments in meetings or conversations to express your opinions clearly and confidently. This way, personal development becomes part of your work rather than an extra task.
Of course, change doesn’t happen overnight.
It takes time and effort to learn new skills, especially when it comes to soft skills like communication, leadership, or emotional intelligence. These are nuanced abilities that require patience and persistence to master. But the good news is you can definitely make progress with consistent effort. Even small steps forward each day can lead to significant growth over time. Integrating personal development into your workday means you can practice these skills in real-world situations, which is often more effective than studying them in a vacuum. To help guide your journey, there are a few key concepts you should be familiar with: the different zones of learning, the importance of feedback, and the need for self-reflection. Now, let’s circle back to deliberate practice. This concept involves more than just trying to get better at something. It’s about focusing on specific aspects of a skill, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, and repeating the practice until you improve.
Think of it like the targeted training athletes do to hone their craft.
By practising deliberately, you accelerate your learning and deepen your understanding. For example, let’s say you want to improve your ability to give constructive feedback to your team. Instead of waiting for a specific situation to arise, make it a point to seek opportunities throughout the day to provide helpful feedback. Start with small situations and build your confidence over time. Reflect on how your feedback was received and adjust your approach as needed. As you continue your journey, remember that you might encounter setbacks. That’s normal.
Growth isn’t always linear, and it’s okay to face challenges.
What’s important is how you respond to them. Use setbacks as learning opportunities, and don’t be afraid to seek support if needed. For more in-depth guidance on these concepts, check out our Engaging Executive Vlog, where you can find tips and insights from industry experts. We’ve also got a great article on different learning zones that can help you navigate the complexities of personal development. In conclusion, integrating personal development into your workday is an innovative and effective way to grow professionally and personally. By adopting a deliberate practice mindset and seeking improvement opportunities throughout your day, you can achieve meaningful progress without overwhelming your schedule. So, take that small, deliberate step today and start weaving personal growth into your everyday life. You might be surprised at the difference it can make!