September 2020

Learning as Self-Care

It might not feel that way this year because of COVID, but the beginning of September has always had a natural connection to newness and education. Growing up, we’d start the new school year with the excitement of how we’d grow. Why does that disappear, though, when we graduate?

I firmly believe that we should always be learning. We become static and plateau when it’s not a focus for us. But there’s just too much to do, especially with the new way the world exists— it almost feels selfish. But it’s not. Self-care is vital to sustaining yourself and surviving whatever comes your way. And I feel underwater sometimes, too— it’s natural with everything around us. But, carving out time to develop myself, as another project that I’m managing, helps me progress and also feel like I’m progressing.

Arianna Huffington uses microsteps to integrate healthy habits into her life. Microsoft announced an initiative to offer free digital skills training. And there a ton of incredible formalized programs and certifications out there, each with their own pros and cons. Even just seeking out a mentor can help. Focus on whatever is helpful to your development. Your professional health is just as important as putting on that face mask and, sometimes, just as fun.

For September, I’m personally going to focus on learning some new data analytics tools. I’d love to hear what you’re working on. Or! If you can’t decide what to pursue, I’m sure we can come up with something. What’s important is that we take care of ourselves and of each other. We all rise together.

—AA

Career Coaching

If you haven’t already, I’d love to connect to offer insights into helping you achieve your next step. I’ve reviewed hundreds of thousands of resumes and applicants over more than a decade and you can utilize what I’ve learned to help get you where you want to go.