astra domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/studyfoxx/public_html/proactivetraining.com.au/news/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to change the ways in which we live and work, it’s vital to remember this is a temporary situation. This mindset affirms one thing: that we will one day return to normal. In the interim, as we experience travel bans, self-quarantines, shelter-in-place mandates, and other disruptions to everyday life, the one common denominator is time. Regardless of our work situation, we will still have a day to fill and, if business slows, an opportunity for self-improvement.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n If we look at this current crisis with a glass-half-full mentality, we’re presented with the opportunity to plan and act on the self-improvement plans that we could have only dreamed of in the past. It’s time to focus on the things we can control and not let fear of the unknown consume us. Here are some recommended approaches to self-development:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 1. Establish Your Plan<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Take time to give thought to things you like, skills that would benefit your career, and learning experiences that would be beneficial to share within your work group. Once identified, establish goals and an action plan. Look within your organization or check online for educational resources. Utilize employer resources, associations, online libraries, and aggregators such as Coursera and EdX.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Next, establish a timeline. Consider what you can manage to accomplish during this period of isolation while still supporting the necessary business operations. Don’t bite off more than you can chew—this is already a stressful time, and you need to ensure you’re not spreading yourself too thin. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Self-paced learning can take on many forms, but it remains just that: self-paced. The key is to have a goal and timeline and to be realistic about what you can do in that timeframe—take an online course, watch a video, read an article, and more. Establishing learning as a regular practice or new habit will do much for self-development.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 2. Explore Your Options<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n As we think about self-improvement plans, we typically just consider online learning as an option. However, there are many other development opportunities you can experience remotely.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Reading helps to build knowledge and vocabulary while stimulating thought. Online articles, case studies, books, and newsletters are all readily available (and often free) options to help improve upon yourself or a given skill set. Check within your organization to see which of these resources are available to you—often, your organization can provide you with logins that grant free access to articles, newsletters, or case studies existing behind firewalls.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n This is a great time to leverage the power and benefits of networking. Schedule calls or virtual meetings with colleagues across your organization to learn more about their functions and how they operate within the industry. This will give you greater insight into the space and the directions available within it from a different perspective.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n If it is appropriate to do so, reach out to your colleagues, clients, and managers and ask for feedback. View this as an opportunity to learn about your growth areas, re-tune, and grow as an individual. Let the wisdom of the crowd help you evolve to be a better worker and person.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n If you don’t have one already, take this time to identify and establish a mentor. Think hard about someone you respect and believe has knowledge to share, and who would be open to offering advice. Use this time build a relationship and establish safe borders for both parties. A mentor can be a new learning channel and a friendship, and also will give you greater corporate exposure and direction.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 3. Put Your Resources to Use<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Let’s start with your available resources—at this point, you likely have a laptop, Webcam, meeting software, and a host of tools sitting within your VPN, including social platforms, subscription services, e-learning, and corporate communications. Here are a few ways to put them to use:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Moving Forward<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n