It’s that time of year again where more than 55 million students in the United States will be heading back to school. There is so much energy and excitement wrapped up in anticipating, celebrating, and mourning (the end of summer). Thinking back, what I remember most was an unfettered sense of possibility. Each school year brought with it an opportunity to learn and master something new. Year after year, what I was looking to master evolved from writing in cursive to algebra to the perfect side ponytail (it was the 90’s) up until graduation. After graduation, we went out into the world to master our chosen professions.
I am disappointed that the same level of energy doesn’t exist in the workplace. As adults, we simply don’t have the annual timetable to learn new things built into our lives. Performance reviews and development plans may be meant to inspire the same level of excitement but in my experience fall flat. Each year as Labor Day approaches and summer winds down, I think about what new adventure, project, or skill I want to pursue. I urge everyone to jump in to the back to school spirit and make a commitment to learn a new skill, pursue a certification, and/or join a networking group. Reach out if you are inspired and looking for suggestions. #whatinspiresme#careers