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If you're like me, you're serious about career development. Now this doesn't necessarily mean enrolling in graduate school and handing over thousands of dollars to earn a new qualification. But you'll probably agree that some sort of investment is required to learn, evolve and advance in your career. Taking courses or enrolling in college programs notwithstanding, I sincerely think that continuing your informal education should be a core part of your personal career development. That means reading books, newsletters, journals and other publications, attending seminars and workshops, participating in mastermind groups... and even going onto the Internet to read articles like this one!. In fact, if there's one thing I'm certain of, it's that you should always be looking for opportunities to learn, and that this is critical to your career development. Moreover, nothing will destroy your career development more than thinking that you already know it all. After all, true experts - whether in sports, the arts, business or any endeavor - typically say they don't already know it all and that they are always learning. The choice is yours - you can decide that you already know all there is to know... and wonder why your career development has come to a halt. Or you can decide that there is always something more to learn, invest in your education, and enjoy ongoing career develoment. Pretty obvious which is the best option, isn't it? But, really, being willing to learn is not just essential for your career prospects, but it's also important for getting the most you can out of life. In fact, it's almost the definition of life, since living is about growing, and growing relies on learning. Let's take an example. Say you're a hairdresser who has been cutting and styling hair for 10 years. Does cutting hair every day for that period of time mean that you know it all and have nothing left to learn? Well, sure - you know how to cut hair. But if ever evolving fashion trends - i.e. new hairstyles and variations of old hairstyles - are any indication, then there is always something new to learn. New techniques, new hair styles, new hair products and even new hair styling tools, to name a few of these "new" things. That being the case, if you were a hairdresser who was serious about your career development, you would constantly be reading the latest hairdressing trade magazines, attending hairdressing conferences and shows, and trying new techniques, styles, products and tools. That's why my hairdresser, for example, continues to learn and develop her skills. And why she is able to charge more than double what the average hairdresser can charge (the hairdresser working away in a salon in the mall, earning minimal wages, and wondering why they can't get ahead even though they "know everything" about cutting and styling hair). Therefore, try to catch yourself whenever you start thinking that you know everything there is to know. Chances are, there is always something more to learn. And if you take this view, and embrace new ideas, perspectives and understandings, you will be able to evolve and grow too - not just as a professional, but as a person too.
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