Confidence On Tap – Part 3 Keep On Learning!
In my previous blog posts ‘Confidence On Tap’, Parts 1 and 2, I discussed how practicing bold body language and taking continuous action steps towards goals can have a positive affect on your confidence level. Since it’s ‘Back-to-School’ season, I thought it would be apropos to continue the confidence discussion by focusing on the positive impact that continuing education can have on your overall confidence.
Feeling out-of-the-loop in your profession can take the wind out of your confidence sails – however, taking online classes, attending workshops or conferences, any type of continuing education, can go a long way in giving you a confidence boost.
I’m always looking for professional development opportunities that I can work into my schedule, and I encourage you to do the same.
Many of my coaching clients have sought out job-related educational opportunities such as seminars, conferences, etc. to help them stay ahead of the curve in their respective industries. As a result, their confidence levels go up, and, in some cases, their paychecks do too – a number of clients have received job promotions and raises, thanks, in part, to their continuing educational pursuits.
If you’re not sure whether your organization offers professional development, ask your manager. She/ he will appreciate the fact that you’re being proactive about expanding your knowledge/ skills base, and that you’re serious about moving ahead in your career.
It’s vitally important, if you’re an independent contractor or freelancer, to seek out continuing education to keep you competitive in the marketplace and at the top of your game.
Here are five types of professional development you may find helpful:
Mentorship. A number of companies offer mentoring programs where you’re matched with a higher-up in the organization who can offer one-on-one guidance. Mentors can also be found outside of work through professional associations.
Online Classes are a convenient way to pursue professional development anytime day or evening – whenever you can fit it into your schedule.
Seminars are a good choice if a lecture-type format suits your learning style.
Workshops are excellent if you appreciate a more hands-on approach where you’re learning by doing.
Conferences provide an educational immersion featuring thought leaders, authors, experts and peers.
An Invitation:
If you’re looking for an empowering conference focusing on career and business transformation, I highly recommend the 2014 Indiana Governor’s Conference for Women coming up this fall. Women from all over the country will be heading to the Midwest for this exciting conference happening October 21st in Indianapolis, and, I hope you’ll consider attending.
I’m helping to organize the event, and, let me tell you, it promises to be an incredibly educational, inspiring, confidence building experience – especially since Claire Shipman and Katty Kay, authors of ‘The Confidence Code’, as well as crisis management expert Judy Smith – Executive Producer and inspiration for the popular ABC series ‘Scandal’ – are the keynote speakers.
I’ll be presenting during the breakout sessions as will ‘Passages’ author Gail Sheehy, Pamela Ryckman, author of ‘The Stiletto Network’, and many others.
I invite you to be a part of this transformative conference, and I encourage you to pursue other professional development opportunities as well. Continuing education is a valuable confidence booster and well worth the investment!
