BFW: 🌱 How to Build a Personal Learning Plan for Continued Growth 📈

Dear Reader,

Welcome to the 177th edition of Brain Food Wednesdays (BFW)! This week, we’re exploring how to build a personal learning plan for continued growth. Over seven years ago, I read How to Become an Expert by Maurice Gibbons. In the book was a template for a personal learning and development plan. Since then, I’ve used one of these plans.

In this issue of BFW, I mention SMURT goals because SMART goals are overused and I think it’s important to create hard goals that stretch you. Many of the goals I listed in my personal learning plan are unrealistic. But I achieved more than I would have had I not set unrealistic goals. This is something I’d like you to think about.

Ask Avil

Introduction to Personal Learning

Importance of Continuous Growth and Development

Continuous growth and development are crucial for being relevant and competitive in the quickly changing world of today. Individuals who embrace personal learning are better able to adjust to emerging technology, market trends, and changing work markets. Individuals who invest in their own professional growth not only strengthen their knowledge and abilities, but also raise their employability and job possibilities.

Overview of Personal Learning Plans

A personal learning plan (PLP) is a structured approach to gaining new skills and knowledge tailored to an individual’s unique needs and goals. PLPs enable individuals to identify their learning objectives, select learning strategies, and track their progress. By creating a personal learning plan, individuals can take control of their professional growth, ensuring they remain on the path to continued success.

Goal Setting for Professional Development

Identifying Short-term and Long-term Objectives

To create an effective personal learning plan, it’s crucial to identify both short-term and long-term objectives. Short-term objectives are goals you can achieve within a few weeks or months, while long-term objectives may take years to accomplish. Start by reflecting on your current skills and knowledge, and considering areas where you would like to improve or explore further.

Creating SMURT Goals

Once you have identified your objectives, transform them into SMURT goals. SMURT stands for Specific, Measurable, Unrealistic, Resourceful, and Time-Bound. This framework ensures your goals are clear, unrealistic, and focused. This is not a mistake, I meant to write SMURT goals. It’s important to give yourself hard goals that stretch you.

Instead of saying “improve public speaking skills,” a better goal would be “I will take a public speaking course and give a 15-minute presentation to my colleagues within two months.”

This is a SMURT goal that is specific, measurable, unrealistic, resourceful, and time-bound. The goal pushes you to act now. First, you have to find a course to take, and then you have to act on what you learned to create a presentation for your colleagues.

By setting SMURT goals, you’ll have a clear roadmap for your professional development and a better chance of achieving your desired outcomes.

Learning Strategies and Techniques

Active Learning Methods

Active learning methods involve engaging with the material actively rather than passively. They help you remember information better and develop a deeper understanding of the subject. Some examples of active learning methods are:

Self-explanation: Explain concepts to yourself in your own words to reinforce understanding.
Summarization: Summarize key points from a learning resource to help remember information.
Questioning: Ask yourself questions about the material to test your knowledge and comprehension.
Teaching others: Share your knowledge with others to solidify your understanding and identify gaps.

Leveraging Technology and Resources

Advancements in technology and resources enable you to enhance your personal learning experiences. Some ways to leverage them include:

Online courses: Take advantage of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) or other online learning platforms. Open Culture also lists courses you can take for free.
Educational apps: Use apps for language learning, programming, or other skills development.
Podcasts and videos: Listen to podcasts or watch educational videos to learn from experts in various fields. Subscribe to my YouTube challenge to access The One Problem podcast.
eBooks and articles: Access digital libraries or subscribe to newsletters for relevant reading materials.

Developing a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that you can develop intelligence and abilities through dedication and hard work. To cultivate a growth mindset:

Embrace challenges: View challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
Learn from mistakes: Recognize that mistakes are part of the learning process, and use them as a chance to improve.
Seek feedback: Actively seek feedback from others to identify areas for improvement.
Stay persistent: Remain committed to your learning goals, even in the face of setbacks or obstacles.

Time Management for Effective Learning

Prioritizing Learning Activities

To make the most of your time, it is crucial to prioritize learning activities according to their importance and relevance to your goals. Start by identifying the skills or knowledge areas you need to develop and then allocate time to the most critical tasks first. Use tools like to-do lists, calendars, or project management apps to keep track of your learning priorities.

Balancing Work, Life, and Learning

Achieving balance between work, personal life, and learning can be challenging, but is essential for overall well-being and success. To maintain this balance, set boundaries for each aspect of your life and ensure you allocate time for personal interests, hobbies, and relaxation. Communicate your learning goals to your support network, including family, friends, and coworkers, to help them understand your commitments and support your efforts.

Techniques for Staying Organized and Focused

To stay organized and focused, develop a routine that incorporates your learning activities into your daily life. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and allocate specific time slots for each task. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique or time blocking to maintain focus and productivity during your learning sessions. Create a dedicated learning space that is free from distractions and use tools like planners, note-taking apps, or reminders to stay on track.

Assessing Progress and Adjusting Your Plan

Tracking Achievements and Milestones

To ensure you are making progress in your learning journey, it is crucial to track your achievements and milestones. This can be done by setting SMURT (Specific, Measurable, Unrealistic, Resourceful, and Time-bound) goals and monitoring your progress regularly. Document your accomplishments and make a note of areas where you have improved or still need work.

Adapting the Plan Based on Feedback and Results

As you progress, you may need to adjust your learning plan based on the feedback you receive and the results you achieve. This might involve seeking additional resources, changing your learning techniques, or revising your goals. Regular self-reflection and input from mentors, peers, or instructors can help you identify areas that need improvement and make the adjustments.

Celebrating Successes and Learning from Setbacks

It’s important to celebrate your accomplishments and acknowledge the progress you’ve made. This helps maintain motivation and reinforces a positive attitude towards learning. Setbacks should be viewed as learning opportunities. Analyze what went wrong and use that information to refine your approach, develop resilience, and continue moving forward in your learning journey.

Next Steps

If you found this article and newsletter informative, please:

Buy my new book, Leadership Reading: Spilling the Tea on How Top Leaders Read

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to access effective reading strategies and The One Problem podcast.

Buy The 7-Day Reading Makeover Challenge and practice reading like a leader!

Unlock the power of knowledge and take your leadership and personal development skills to new heights. Become a member of the Art of Learning Leadership Academy today and gain access to exclusive Bookish Notes.

Until Next Week,

Avil Beckford, Founder, The Invisible Mentor & Art of Learning Leadership Academy

theinvisiblementor.com artoflearningleadershipacademy.com