Amidst a bustling professional life, finding time for personal growth or learning can seem like a daunting challenge. Insights from a founder and a business owner reveal their strategies to make it work. The first expert suggests unplugging with family walks, while the final piece of advice emphasizes attending industry training and trade shows. Discover eight actionable insights in this article, each offering a unique approach to balancing growth with a hectic schedule.
- Unplug with Family Walks
- Allocate Blocks for Learning
- Dedicate Morning Power Hours
- Read Books for Professional Growth
- Practice Daily Meditation
- Learn Through Podcasts
- Utilize Micro-Learning Techniques
- Attend Industry Training and Trade Shows
Unplug with Family Walks
One thing I really prioritize is unplugging with my family. Every week, we make it a point to go for a simple walk together. It’s a great way to disconnect from all the digital noise and really reconnect with each other and ourselves.
Diane Howard
Rn and Founder, Esthetic Finesse
Allocate Blocks for Learning
In order to prioritize my self-development, I introduce tightly allocated blocks dedicated to learning into my calendar, similar to how meetings are set up. One such task that I keep doing is reading industry books or articles every morning for 30 minutes—a habit I like to cultivate. This habit allows me to stay up-to-date with exciting developments and fresh strategies, as well as improving the quality of my judgments.
When I consider my self-development as new income or spending, I know perfectly well that this activity will not be bumped to the back burner. Everyone needs a leveling-up approach occasionally, and for me and my business, it is an investment for the future.
Cache Merrill
Founder, Zibtek
Dedicate Morning Power Hours
With a demanding career, the key to personal growth and learning for me lies in dedicated “power hours.” These are non-negotiable pockets of time, typically early in the morning, allocated exclusively to pursuing interests outside my professional obligations. The one activity I prioritize is reading across a broad spectrum, particularly subjects that are seemingly unrelated to my legal profession, such as literature, history, or technology trends. I firmly believe that being well-rounded and open to diverse ideas stimulate innovative approaches in my work.
For instance, I once drew parallels between strategic moves in a historical event I was reading about and a complex asset protection strategy I was working on, resulting in an out-of-the-box solution. Though it can be challenging to maintain this habit amidst a busy schedule, the intellectual enrichment it offers is irreplaceable, making me a better professional, and more importantly, a lifelong learner.
Mark Pierce
Founder & CEO, Wyoming LLC Attorney
Read Books for Professional Growth
I prioritize reading books—both legal texts and personal development literature. I carve out time in the evenings, dedicating at least 30 minutes a day to reading. This has allowed me to stay informed about the latest trends and case law while also expanding my understanding of leadership, empathy, and communication—skills vital to my role as a firm owner.
Reading provides me with fresh ideas and approaches that I can apply in my practice, enhancing my effectiveness as an attorney and leader. Additionally, sharing insights from my readings with my team fosters a culture of learning and encourages them to explore their own interests, creating an environment where personal and professional growth is valued.
Joy Owenby
Founder and Family Law Attorney, Owenby Law, P.A.
Practice Daily Meditation
No matter how busy life gets, it’s crucial to carve out time for personal learning and growth. For me, meditation is the key activity that makes this possible. Devoting just 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the evening to meditation sets the tone for my day, preventing me from feeling rushed and overthinking from the get-go. Starting my morning with meditation ensures that I approach the day with a calm and centered mindset.
The second session in the afternoon acts like a braking system on a high-speed roller coaster, allowing me to pause and ground myself mid-day. It rejuvenates my energy and facilitates a smooth transition into the evening. The true benefits of meditation manifest not only during the sessions but also in the intervals between them. This consistent practice has enhanced my ability to allocate time for learning and growth, making the experience more engaging and enjoyable.
Mike Veny
CEO & Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist®, Mike Veny, Inc.
Learn Through Podcasts
Learning while I’m doing non-essential tasks. For instance, as I drive to work, I always make sure to listen to a podcast, which I find to be a great way to continue learning. This habit has been with me since my early years, and I truly enjoy the process of learning in this way. I also like to listen to podcasts during my morning walk. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that this is the perfect way to start my day, and it really helps me stay productive throughout the day.
Gursharan Singh
Co-Founder, WebSpero Solutions
Utilize Micro-Learning Techniques
Balancing a busy schedule as the owner of Batana Babe, I ensure time for personal growth through a technique called “micro-learning.” It’s an exceptional way of learning in the midst of a busy life. I squeeze in five to ten minutes of learning amidst work gaps to read while having a quick coffee, or listen to educational podcasts while commuting.
For example, I recently dived into a course about the sustainability and biodiversity of beauty product ingredients. This helped me develop a stronger marketing strategy for Batana Babe. I make it a priority because continuous learning not only broadens my perspective, but also brings valuable ideas and innovation to my business. It’s a bit like how we extract Batana Oil at our small family business—we make small but consistent effort, and the end result is a potent, unique product.
Ashley Smith
Owner, Batana Babe
Attend Industry Training and Trade Shows
Industry-related training and trade shows are invaluable opportunities to network, gain insights into the latest products and technologies, and learn from industry leaders. We make it a point to schedule time in advance for these events, often mapping out which sessions to attend and who to connect with. This has allowed me to stay informed about emerging trends and innovative solutions in pest control and helps me bring back fresh ideas that can improve our services and operations.
I also ensure that my team is involved in these events as well, encouraging them to attend relevant workshops and training sessions. Having a collective learning experience strengthens our team’s knowledge and skills, enhancing our overall service delivery.
Jason Napolski
President & CEO, A-Tex Pest Management Inc.