What do you do if your daily work routine lacks effective ways to integrate learning new skills?
Managing time effectively often means integrating new skills into your daily routine. However, if your current work schedule doesn't allow for this growth, it can feel like you're stuck in a rut. To overcome this challenge, you need to find creative ways to weave learning opportunities into your existing commitments. Whether it's multitasking with an educational podcast during a commute or dedicating a few minutes of your lunch break to read industry-related articles, there are strategies to ensure you're continually developing professionally.
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Kevin LiaoUMD CS'25 | LinkedIn 6x Top Voice | Incoming SWE Intern @ C1 | RA @ UMD ARLIS | Prev @ Freddie Mac | 7-Lang Polyglot |…
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Blanka VötschExpert for time management and productivity I Keynote I Workshop I How to get more things done in less time I New Work…
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Brit Vorreiter (PMP, CSM, ITILv4, SAFe, SPC)Manager, IT Program Management
Take a moment to conduct a skill audit. This involves evaluating the skills you currently possess and identifying the ones you need to learn or improve. By understanding where your skill gaps lie, you can prioritize learning in those areas. This doesn't mean overhauling your entire routine; instead, focus on small, manageable changes that can fit into your existing schedule. For instance, if you need to enhance your data analysis skills, you might start by dedicating 15 minutes each day to learn a new data visualization tool.
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Beshoy Khela
Accounting Supervisor | Top Time Management Voice | Financial Statements Expert | E-Invoicing Specialist | Helping Companies Streamline Accounting Processes| CMA Student
If your daily work routine lacks effective ways to integrate learning new skills, there are several proactive steps you can take: Self-Assessment: Identify the skills you want to learn or improve upon. This could be related to your current job role, future career goals, or personal interests. Set Learning Goals: Define clear and achievable learning goals. Determine what skills you want to develop, the level of proficiency you aim for, and the timeline for achieving these goals. Seek Opportunities: Look for opportunities within your current job or organization to learn new skills. This could include taking on new projects, volunteering for cross-functional teams, or participating in training programs offered by your company.
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Suchita Panchal
MBA | Business Analyst | Data Analyst |
Indeed, skill improvements are important. In today's time, it's easier to improve skills with a myriad of sources availabilities. First, identify the skills that you want to improm, be it a skills to perform a job better or learn a subject matter. Next, you can find the right sources to work on your skill and proceed. More importantly, instead of accomplishing major goals focus on improving small changes by learning the skills.
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Lourdes Arica
MBA, Black Belt, Scrum Master Certified, Service Management Transformation, Project Management Expertise, Change Management
Assess Your Current Routine:Identify time-wasting activities or inefficiencies in your daily schedule Prioritize Learning,Recognize the importance of continuous learning & make it a priority in your schedule Schedule Learning Time:Allocate specific time slots in your day for learning new skills, such as during breaks or after work Use Technology:Utilize online resources, webinars, and e-learning platforms to access learning materials conveniently Seek Support,Discuss your learning goals with your manager or colleagues & seek their support and guidance Practice Regularly, Incorporate new skills into your daily tasks to reinforce learning Reflect & Review:Regularly reflect on your progress and adjust your learning approach as needed
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Daniel Gamrot
Time Management & Productivity Expert | Empowering Professionals through Practical Strategies | 12+ Years of Experience | Trained Over 14,000 Professionals
It doesn't have to be 15 minutes a day at the same time. That ties a lot of people up. Instead, it's nice to combine it with a trigger. Take me, for example: - When I'm waiting for the tram - When I'm waiting for a meeting - When the baby goes to sleep - When I finish my homework early - ... It also helps me to reduce resistance by having learning materials with me - courses on my phone, books and PDFs on my Kindle, etc. Find your 15 minutes too.
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Pedro Andreoni
Partner at HOUND | Member of IFL
You should consider implementing intentional learning practices into your schedule. Set aside dedicated time each day or week for skill development activities such as online courses, webinars, or reading relevant articles. Look for opportunities to apply new skills directly to your work tasks or projects to reinforce learning. Collaborate with colleagues or mentors who can provide guidance and support as you acquire new skills.
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Chris Jones
--Industrial Services Technician at GFL --US Navy Veteran
Totally not what you want to do, this is adolescent teaching for learning about life from scratch. As an adult, you make a conscious choice to develop a skill and you become a savage. You read everything, ask questions to everyone that will listen and research. Make it relentless. Rehash everything over and over. You will grow in knowledge quickly and remember everything.
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Ammad Ahmed
Assistant Manager "CTS"
I embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and develop new skills, even if they push me out of my comfort zone. I take ownership of my professional development by setting learning goals and exploring new tools and resources.
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Onyia Chukwubuka
Administrative/Virtual Assistant | Social Media Manager
Among the things I can possibly do include trying to integrate learning directly into my current tasks. For example, I can challenge myself to find more efficient ways to complete routine tasks, or explore new tools that can enhance my productivity. This way, am not only learning new skills but also enhancing my work performance.
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Jason Adams
Marketing Specialist | Customer Support | Quality Assurance
Identify Learning Opportunities: Start by identifying areas where you'd like to develop new skills that are relevant to your work. Consider both technical skills related to your profession and soft skills such as communication or leadership.
Setting clear and achievable learning goals is crucial. Decide what new skills you want to master and break them down into actionable steps. These goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, rather than vaguely aiming to 'get better at public speaking,' set a goal to 'present at a team meeting within the next month.' This gives your learning a purpose and a deadline, making it easier to integrate into your daily work.
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Kevin Liao
UMD CS'25 | LinkedIn 6x Top Voice | Incoming SWE Intern @ C1 | RA @ UMD ARLIS | Prev @ Freddie Mac | 7-Lang Polyglot | CodePath TF | Mentor @ App Dev Club | The Tech Cadets Team | Job Search, SWE & Time Management Tips
To integrate learning into a routine lacking opportunities, set specific goals aligned with career aspirations. Assess current skills, prioritize learning objectives, and break them into actionable steps. Allocate dedicated time for learning within your schedule. Seek learning opportunities within your role and track progress regularly, adjusting goals as needed. This proactive approach ensures continuous skill development amidst daily tasks.
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Brit Vorreiter (PMP, CSM, ITILv4, SAFe, SPC)
Manager, IT Program Management
For the past few years, I've laid out objectives I have for the year on a notebook sheet of paper and stick it to my home office wall (ex Get fit, Learn a new skill, Certifications, Travel, Time with Family etc.) Seeing what I want to accomplish by the end of the year is motivating, then I break down steps I can take by quarters/months - and add in expected life events so I can reevaluate whether everything is realistic. I've found that I'll often hit almost all my objectives - albeit maybe not in the exact month/quarter I expected - and it's rewarding to add that little sheet of paper with my accomplishments year over year to my collection.
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Justin Rizzo
President @ Rizzo Auto Detailing LLC
If my daily work routine lacks effective ways to integrate learning new skills, I make it a point to carve out some time each day, even if it's just 15 minutes, dedicated to learning. I start by setting small, manageable goals and finding resources that fit easily into my schedule—like listening to a podcast during my commute or watching a tutorial over lunch. I also try to apply what I learn directly to my tasks at work, which not only helps me remember but also shows me the practical benefits of my efforts. This personal commitment keeps my skills fresh and my interest in my work alive.
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Tanya Brown
Family Nurse Practitioner
In my experience to succeed in the evolving field of nursing it is imperative to be a lifelong learner. Thus, purposeful learning leads to daily learning.
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Suchita Panchal
MBA | Business Analyst | Data Analyst |
In addition to SMART goals, consistency is the key. A consistent routine is crucial to make your daily work effective and productive. Also, keep track of achieved daily goal if not why is the case. Practicing these will surely contribute accomplishing daily goals.
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Lauren Martin
Helping entrepreneurs clarify + breakdown tasks so they can take their business to the next level | Accountability Coach
If your daily work routine lacks effective ways to integrate learning new skills, taking proactive steps is essential. Begin by setting clear goals for the skills you wish to acquire and outlining the progress you aim to achieve. This establishes a roadmap for your learning journey, providing both motivation and direction. Next, focus on integrating new habits into your routine specifically designed to facilitate skill acquisition. Dedicate regular time each day or week to activities such as reading industry articles, attending online courses, or practicing new techniques. Consistency is key, so commit to maintaining your learning schedule alongside your other tasks.
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Daniel Gamrot
Time Management & Productivity Expert | Empowering Professionals through Practical Strategies | 12+ Years of Experience | Trained Over 14,000 Professionals
On the other hand, it is also refreshing and broadening to sometimes study things that are not related to our goals. Personally, it has helped me a lot to do the work I have enjoyed for 12 years (not every day, of course).
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badr elali
BBA Management Graduate with commercial experience & a passion for business development.
Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your learning. This will help you stay on track.
Planning is key in time management, especially when adding new learning to your routine. Allocate specific times in your day for skill development. It could be during a morning routine, on your commute, or as part of a wind-down activity before bed. The important part is making it a consistent part of your day. If necessary, use calendar reminders or set alarms to keep yourself accountable to your learning time.
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Mathew Essa
Creating A New World | Founder of Suvon Corp. and Projects | Serial Social Entrepreneur | LinkedIn Top Voice | 7th Globally in Entrepreneurship 2021 ★★★★★ | HEC Paris Delegate | Angel Investor | International Consultant
While planning, it might be beneficial to use what motivates you intrinsically and extrinsically in finding a suitable balance per day.
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Heather DiFranco
Purchaser at WEISS North America, Inc.
I've found it helpful to check my e-mail in between working sessions, not all day long as e-mails come in. If it's urgent someone can Teams me or call me.
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Blanka Vötsch
Expert for time management and productivity I Keynote I Workshop I How to get more things done in less time I New Work I Efficient teams I Stress Management
Plan your week ahead. When can you fit in learning sessions? Can you watch videos while cooking, or are they intensive work sessions where you need to be at your computer, actively participating? Depending on the circumstances, you can integrate learning into your week. Also, consider how much time you can and want to invest.
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Brit Vorreiter (PMP, CSM, ITILv4, SAFe, SPC)
Manager, IT Program Management
When I was looking to go back to school for a MBA, I was struggling to find time to study for the GMAT. The question my mentor asked me forever changed the course of how I plan my day: "Do you have the most energy in the morning, afternoon, or night?" Turns out that those morning hours when I had been spending time checking emails before the workday or scrolling through social media were much better used on deep thinking/studying in ways that would help my career and long term goals. So ask yourself what time of day you are most productive/energetic and save that time to invest in yourself.
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badr elali
BBA Management Graduate with commercial experience & a passion for business development.
Schedule time each day to learn new skills. This could be anything from taking an online course to reading a book or article on a relevant topic.
Leverage technology and tools that facilitate learning. There are numerous apps and online platforms designed to help you learn new skills in bite-sized chunks. Whether it's language learning with Duolingo or coding with Codecademy, these tools can be seamlessly integrated into your day. Even setting up a simple RSS feed for industry news can keep you informed and learning without a significant time investment.
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Daniel Gamrot
Time Management & Productivity Expert | Empowering Professionals through Practical Strategies | 12+ Years of Experience | Trained Over 14,000 Professionals
Another great channel for learning today is YouTube or LinkedIn. It's nice to follow people who are leaders in their field, because they will recommend educational links that are relevant and of high quality. That's why I have experts among my followers in fields (and outside fields) I'm interested in, and I know about every post they make.
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Heather DiFranco
Purchaser at WEISS North America, Inc.
I've learned so much simply by digging into the help articles for our company's ERP system! I didn't know how to do many things when we switched over, but the help articles in the software and online truly were lifesavers sometimes.
Don't underestimate the power of learning from colleagues. Peer learning can be an efficient way to acquire new skills without disrupting your work routine. This could be as simple as scheduling regular knowledge-sharing sessions or collaborating on projects with team members who have skills you wish to develop. The social aspect of learning can also make the process more enjoyable and less of a chore.
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Blanka Vötsch
Expert for time management and productivity I Keynote I Workshop I How to get more things done in less time I New Work I Efficient teams I Stress Management
If you can learn from colleagues at work, that's fantastic. However, if the knowledge you seek isn't readily available in your environment, consider seeking it out through networks, masterminds, or group programs. Don't hesitate to invest in your education. It's always the best investment in yourself.
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Lauren Martin
Helping entrepreneurs clarify + breakdown tasks so they can take their business to the next level | Accountability Coach
An effective way to incorporate learning new skills into your daily work routine is by learning from your coworkers. Reach out to colleagues who excel in the skills you're interested in and express your eagerness to learn from them. This could involve scheduling quick chats or shadowing sessions to observe their techniques and methods. By tapping into their knowledge and experience, you can gain valuable insights and practical tips without adding significant time commitments to your day. Encouraging a culture of knowledge sharing and teamwork within your team fosters an environment where learning from each other is encouraged and supported.
Regular reflection on your learning progress helps maintain motivation and identify areas for improvement. Take time each week to review what you've learned and how you've applied it. This reflection can help you adjust your learning goals and methods to better fit your routine and ensure continuous growth. It also serves as a reminder of how far you've come, which can be incredibly rewarding and motivating.
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Suchita Panchal
MBA | Business Analyst | Data Analyst |
Once goals are set, worked upon, and accomplished, it is extremely important to reflect on the process. What you have achieved and how you can improve the entire learning process. This will help in identifying flaws and strong points of your overall actions that is making your time management more productive and efficient.
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Gabriella McMullen
Performance Quality Analyst @ Elevance Health | MA in Psychology
Reflecting on what you have learned is a crucial part of being able to understand and apply processes. It can also help you adjust your goals accordingly and allow you to identify strengths and weaknesses. I find it helpful to make a list to identify your strengths and weaknesses and build new goals moving forward.
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badr elali
BBA Management Graduate with commercial experience & a passion for business development.
Take some time each day or week to reflect on your learning progress. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve and make adjustments to your learning plan.
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Brit Vorreiter (PMP, CSM, ITILv4, SAFe, SPC)
Manager, IT Program Management
I love the Panda Planner - every morning before I start the day I sit down with my coffee and review. It asks for the prior day's two "Wins" and two "How I'll Improve" examples, which sets the tone for how I write the "Grateful For"/"Excited About"/"Top 3 Priorities" for the day. Each week has a page to do the same reflection at a higher level to see your progress overtime - and recognize wins rather than just the constant grind.
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Ajanta B.
Management
Whatever it is,just start and stick to it.persistence is important. Even is you miss a day two comeback and continue learning .small bits in the begining .
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Gabriella McMullen
Performance Quality Analyst @ Elevance Health | MA in Psychology
Don't give up, no matter what. Strive to move forward and continue learning, even when you hit a road block or two - it's part of the learning process. Allow yourself to feel frustrated and whatever other feelings might arise. You're a human being with feelings that should be considered while you're navigating new processes.
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Karen Goldbach, ABOC, NCLEC
Regional Manager for Now Optics
Learning new skills, or developing current ones, is something most would consider to be imperative to avoid complacency in a position. First, I would do some personal reflection and re-evaluate that statement: do I truly believe that I am not learning any new skills–or am I just not learning in the area(s) I have most interest in? Am I strengthening my current skills? What are my expectations, and are they realistic? Where can I make changes in my routine and habits to find time? Ultimately, I always suggest audiobooks. If you don't have time to sit and read, audiobooks are excellent for the busy, on-the-go professional. With the right material, you'll find more motivation to make the time, and make it happen.
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Casey Rutter
Paralegal
Communication, communication, communication. If acquiring and utilizing new skills is important to you within your given profession, make that a known priority to your employer early on. Communicate with your direct supervisor if you feel you could be doing more and have an interest in learning more within the company. It will not only help yourself to create a work environment you feel fulfilled in, but will also so your boss you are engaged in the work the company does.
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Patrick Jian Razon
Prime for Engagement at TELUS International Philippines
If my work doesn't help me learn new skills, I'd: 1. Set goals for what I want to learn. 2. Find a mentor. 3. Take online courses or workshops. 4. Network with professionals. 5. Ask to try different roles. 6. Study on my own. 7. Get feedback and reflect on my progress. Being proactive is key to learning and growing in my job.
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Heather DiFranco
Purchaser at WEISS North America, Inc.
Take time to evaluate if you are wasting your time and energy on things that actually don't need your attention. The book Deep Work is actually a great resource for this. Instead of spending time e-mailing back and forth 11 times about something, offer time slots you are available to discuss over phone or in a quick meeting. Or, does that e-mail actually need a response? Do you really need to stop what you're doing to respond instantly to every e-mail? Or can you check it 3x a day to give yourself more time in other areas?
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