Before you’re able to build a house you need to construct a strong foundation. The same is needed when you’re trying to level up your professional Development. This post will go over three effective and time-saving hacks you need to follow in order to build a foundation for professional development.

Everyone wants to have more money, more opportunities, and more happiness in their lives. And it’s all possible as long as you take the time to build your empire brick by brick.

Knowing what you need to excel in life is half the battle. That’s why it’s so important to have a game plan and a strong foundation before taking one single step. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself wasting time, energy, and money.

After reading this post you’ll have a toolbox encompassing the things you need in order to level up your professional development, as well as an understanding about where your opportunities lie.

This post is all about the three effective and time-saving ways you can go about building a strong foundation for professional development.

Foundation for Professional Development: Resources

The first step in creating a foundation for professional development is to align yourself with the right resources. Before any action is taken you need to become fully aware of what’s available to you. And information is not a one-stop shop. You’ll be undergoing an evolution of thought processes and so the resources you select, are for you to take through the building of your foundation and the trajectory of your career.

1) Influencers

Influencers have a very negative connotation but that shouldn’t be the case. These people are able to influence such a large audience because they’re doing something right. You have to admit there’s a level of work ethic and dedication that one can at least aspire to.

The trick with influencers is deciding who you want to be influenced by and why.

There are plenty of business moguls and entrepreneurs who on a daily bases are sharing the things that they are working on. And I’m sure at least one of them personifies that professional life you’d like to lead.

So, find an influencer who does the kind of things you’d like to do and learn by following them along on their journey. Use them as a resource and as motivation.

2) Online Media

The amount of information that is available online is completely enormous. Whether it is emails, blogs, podcasts, or videos you can learn about literally anything in any format you’d like.

Take advantage of this digital revolution and select where you’ll be receiving your information from. And keep up with it!

Building a foundation means having a consistent stream of information feeding and inspiring you.

3) Offline Content

There is a ton of amazing information out there that is not online. Books, manuals, and newspapers are able to provide you with original information that tends to be more credible than its online counterparts.

If you want to delve very deep into a topic then books are your best bet. There are no limits to how many words are used and ideas tend to be fully flushed out.

To build a strong foundation you can’t have a base-level understanding of what you’re trying to achieve. You first need to become aware of all the nuances and intricacies that will play a part in your professional development.

4) Education

Taking classes is the easiest and laziest way to get what you want. Think of it this way, you don’t need to do much researching or organizing to understand an idea or how something is done.

After you pick a school or class to attend, your instructor hands you this magical sheet called a syllabus. And that syllabus pretty much outlines what you’re getting out of the course and how you’re getting it.

In fact, it’s the perfect blueprint for creating your own career map.

Foundation for Professional Development: Tools

Nothing is mightier than the pen or your tools. Building up your toolkit plays an integral part in developing the foundation for your professional development. Without it, you have nothing to take into battle or to shield you against possible obstacles.

1) Calendar

There is magic to time-blocking. Calendars and planners are not about creating wish lists of the things you’d like to accomplish.

When you get into the habit of using your calendars to make decisions over how you spend your time, then you’ll find yourself in control of your actions and what you can make happen. Calendars allow you to actually accomplish the goals you set for yourself by making them accessible.

Finding the right calendar is imperative in constructing your foundation. Without it, you’ll become someone with great ideas but no actual follow-through.

2) Microsoft Office

People underestimate how much can be accomplished on programs like excel, PowerPoint, and word. Introduce these tools into your arsenal immediately.

At the end of the day we all obtain information in some sort of capacity, so ask yourself what kind of information are you working with. We collect information not for ourselves but in an attempt to connect with others. And in order for it to be used to connect with others, it needs to be presentable.

PowerPoint helps you create presentations and allows you to showcase information in an accessible manner.

Word is the perfect tool for writing long passages of information that need to be organized and shared with an audience.

Excel is your number-driven platform. It’s best used for calculating and organizing metrics and finances.

Each one of these tools serves a specific purpose and if leveraged correctly it’ll represent you as a credible and professional individual.

3) Email

We all have email but do we all leverage it for its capabilities?

Sure you’re able to receive emails from different people but you’re also able to flag messages for yourself, categorize them, store them into different folders and automate some of your responses and notifications.

As you build your foundation for professional development you want to think about the best ways to protect your time. Where better to do this than during people’s first point of contact with you?

If you’re able to create funnels for your interactions, you’ll be able to create a consistent experience for those who are connecting with you. And in the world of branding that’s everything.

4) Note Taking

Sure we live in a digital world but we also want to pay homage to our roots. Pen and paper.

When you write something on paper, whether it be notes or something greater you’re using a different skill set. And this different skill set will allow you to think outside of the box.

Also, you have to admit that just being on a computer can be distracting between notifications and ease of access to social media sites. It can be difficult to stay focused. Do you know what can be so beautifully boring that you have no other choice but to remain focused? Paper.

Foundation for Professional Development: Opportunities

1) Intern

Most people take on internships for college credits but if done right, it can lead you to make amazing connections. And not just with your employers but with your colleagues.

Being surrounded by people with similar interests and ambitions will allow you to develop a community where you can grow and flourish.

Being an intern also allows you to figure out what area of an industry you enjoy best. So try it and find the perfect fit for you.

2) Volunteer

Unfortunately, most internships are only available for college students but if there’s a will there’s a way. Instead of an internship maybe try volunteering?

Also, the great thing about volunteering is most employers would be so appreciative that they’ll go out of their way to make sure you’re happy and well taken care of. Hey, it could even lead to a job opportunity.

Lastly, if you volunteer you don’t have to commit for an extended period of time so it’s an incredibly easy way to try out different things and see what works best for you.

3) Events

Who doesn’t love a good party or seminar or get-together?

Events are a goldmine when it comes to looking for an opportunity to connect with others.

Believe me, I understand they can appear to take a lot of time and energy but have you ever had a conversation with someone who fuels your desires? In events, those types of conversations are plentiful and could lead you to a partnership or a new way of thinking. Both are equally effective when building a foundation for professional development.

4) Social Groups

There are plenty of online communities that are just as helpful as in-person interactions.

These communities exist via Facebook groups, Reddit groups, meetup groups, and other social media-hosted groups. Joining these groups allows you to leverage other people’s experiences as your own. You’ll learn about the pitfalls and obstacles they’re undergoing and how to navigate your way through them.

There’s nothing better than realizing you’re not alone on your journey and you have trusted allies that can help you through. Make sure to take the time to find the perfect group for you.

This post was all about what you need to build a foundation for professional development.

It’s so hard figuring out what you want and how that connects to what society wants from you. Is it just me or have you grown up thinking – What is a Professional Life? How do I know I’m successful or if I’m at least going down the right path? Well, you’re not the only one and there is a clear and straightforward answer to this question.

Growing up and making decisions about your life is so exhausting. It’s overwhelming and makes you wish you never stopped singing the Toys  R’ Us song, “I don’t want to grow up because if I did. I wouldn’t be a Toys R’ Us kid.”

As someone who finally stopped questioning their existence and started taking action, I know exactly what you need to take some action and get out of your head.

This post is filled with a few questions and ideas that once you answer, you will have everything you need to go in the right direction. Believe me, it really can be that simple. And after all, you have nothing to lose.

This post is all about the heavy-weight question, “What is a Professional life?”

What is a Professional Life?

1) Make a Decision

One of the hardest things you can do is make a decision. But oh boy, oh boy, once you do, your life changes drastically. When you stand up and proclaim this is what I want. Then you have a goal or at least a direction to go in. You’ll have a purpose. And nothing is more professional than knowing what you want and holding yourself accountable.

Think about it this way, what does a professional have that you don’t have? They have somewhere to go and something to do. And they’re only able to take these actions after making a decision.

Life is not about fitting into someone else’s box of what success is. It’s about looking in the mirror and saying “I choose this and I deserve it”. So what is this illusive decision you need to make? Well, it can come in the form of two different questions.

What do you want from work?

We all have to work and whether it’s your dream job or your attempt to cover your needs, it’s not always a fabulous venture. But even in the worst of moments, working is not as bad as it seems.

Honestly, if you read the section about work in Kahlil Gibran‘s The Prophet. You will fall in love with the idea. Work is an act of service. When you work you are providing something for humanity and society. Yes, you work to acquire money to purchase things that support your lifestyle but it exists because no human can do anything alone. We need each other to survive and progress.

That being said, let’s also acknowledge that you’re not a machine. Work is only fulfilling if it’s connected to an interest you have or if it’ll lead you to somewhere you’d like to be.

Take advantage of this outlet by having it mean more than money. Have a reason why it matters or decide which portion of your job is the most interesting. This will allow you to decide how your work will ultimately lead you to what you want to experience most. And if you have the dream job, then think about how you can help others achieve the same fate.

What do you want from your personal life?

How do you spend your life? Is there a hobby that speaks to your heart? Or a task that you easily become obsessed with and spend hours doing? Maybe a white picket fence and family is what you desire most? Paint the picture for yourself. Don’t be afraid to dream big.

After you have decided what you’d like your life to look like outside of work, then start making your way towards it.

Remember it’s important to have a life outside of work that compliments and interests you. Variety is the spice of life and it’s the only way to experience different sides of yourself.

Without this, you may find yourself feeling empty, overworked, or like something is missing. When you know exactly what you’re missing and you take steps towards filling that void, then watch out world, here comes the dreamer with a plan.

2) Dedicate yourself to learning what’s important to you

It’s not enough to want something. If there’s something you want, then you have to do whatever you can to get it. And 9 out of 10 times this comes in the form of learning. Learning what it is and then learning how it’s done.

No one is born perfect or is naturally a total expert on any discipline in existence. It takes time, patience, and effort to become a master of something. And this is the goal. Once you’re able to perform your best, then you’ll elevate the discipline as a whole.

The downfall with learning is wondering if you’re wasting time but you’ll be able to decipher things for yourself if you’re on the right track by answering these two questions.

Are you going to multiple sources?

When you become a follower of one person’s method and only believe in their process of living or doing anything, that is not learning. That is a cult.

This beautiful world has been around for a while and that means there are a lot of different ways to do something. Also, there are a lot of different ideas revolving around similar topics. You’re only able to select or understand your style once you know what your options are.

Don’t rob yourself of the opportunity of creating your own style of doing things by purely adopting one person’s method. Have fun and play around with discovering yourself in your chosen activity.

I mean, would you go to a restaurant and not take a look at the menu? You have to try all the dishes if you want to become a chef.

How are you measuring your progress?

One thing that stinketh real bad, is if you’re working and you have no idea where you’re going. You have to define for yourself how you’ll measure your progress.

If you don’t do this you’ll become your worst enemy. The times will change, new opportunities will appear and you’ll be stuck in your ways and unable to move forward. Don’t be that person! It may lead to depression and stunt your growth.

But honestly, if you can’t defeat a limit or pass a score then there’s no satisfaction in your growth. Would you want to go to the gym every day and never see a muscle?

3) Create a Plan

Here’s the fun part and a super cliche acronym. Every goal should be:

Specific – Sounds a bit like making a decision

Measurable – Sounds a bit like the last item we touched upon

Achievable – It may seem obvious, but it’s not. If there’s no possibility of achieving your goal, then you’re setting yourself up for failure.

Relevant – Does your plan actually make sense or match up with everything else going on? Think of it like this, if I work in an office in a busy building then does it make sense for my goal to become a llama trainer?

Time-Based – We can’t work on something forever. If you give yourself a deadline then there’s an end in sight.

Without a plan that follows the structure of a smart goal then you only have dreams. It’s like what Denzel Washington says, “Dream big — but remember dreams without goals are just dreams, and they ultimately fuel disappointment.” Don’t be your greatest enemy or fuel your life with disappointment. Be your own greatest advocate and do something about it.

4) Take it One Day at a Time

This is the most annoying part about having a professional life. Discipline. To keep going one day at a time.

When you practice this level of commitment and all of the other items on this list then you can say I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul. So here are a few pieces of advice to keep you on the long road:

Daily motivation is up to you – You control what you listen to and what you allow yourself to think about. Choose to live your life in the light and only entertain thoughts that support your endeavors.

Get up from daily failures – We all trip and fall. And that’s ok. It’s normal and builds up your level of resistance. What you need is to have a strong reminder of why you’re doing what you’re doing.

Remain flexible – Life is constantly in motion. Ride the wave. Try to have little to no expectations. And only focus on what you can control.

Never lose the joy – Life is only as hard as you allow it to be. Fill your life with moments that uplift you and keep you inspired. We don’t just operate from the brain, but from the heart.

This post was all about what a professional life is, how to define it, and tips for achieving it.

So what do you want to be when you grow up? What do you want to be right now? Definitely not an easy question to answer, but do you even know what types of work you have available to choose from? This post will help you think of job hunting in a different way. 

Finding your purpose and where joy exists for you can lead to quite a voyage. It’s definitely a journey I’ve gone on many times and it’s still something I like to reflect on today. My greatest skill in life is overanalyzing and reflecting.

In this post, I’m offering you 5 types of work and how they’re connected to your body. In hopes of getting us out of her minds and into our bodies. I mean there’s a reason why they say trust your gut. Too many thoughts and overanalyzing can just confuse you when it comes to this topic.

So let’s get the conversation out of your head and let our bodies guide us and try this approach.

This post is all about the 5 types of work and how your passion lives in your body and not your mind.

5 Types of Work

1) Headwork

Now before we get into our bodies, we can’t deny that there are people who love to live in their heads. These are not the people who are constantly thinking about what they should do. Like me. These people are total loners. They love to calculate, measure and organize ridiculously large amounts of data. Their ability to understand a complex idea completely fascinates them.

Their mind is their favorite body part and with it, they love to problem solve. They spend hours on the computer working with programs. They may even enjoy putting together puzzles or word games. Examples of people that work with their heads are computer engineers, data scientists, and researchers.

These are the people who have the ability to rule the world without taking a physical step. It’s all intellectual stimulation all the time. Sometimes they’re not comfortable in social situations because there are no clean algorithms to work with. Humans are naturally irrational, and those led by the head might just find the rest of us pretty annoying. But they’re usually so thoughtful and pragmatic that they have a real knack for diluting tension and getting people on the same page.

Some great leaders that have led with their heads include Steven Hawking, Nikola Tesla, and Albert Einstein.

• Steven Hawking – I mean does he really need an introduction? Hawking made several theories including one about Black Holes but unfortunately due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis he lost control over his body. Nonetheless, he still went on to write books and share his theories.
• Nikola Tesla – Elon Musk named his cars after Nikola Tesla. Tesla designed the alternating-current (AC) electric system. A system that revolutionized how we power our homes and businesses. Without it we wouldn’t have something as simple as the light switch.
• Albert Einstein – Einstein created this equation, E=mc2 (Energy equals mass times the speed of light squared). The most important equation of all time. It is important because it proved that mass and energy are interchangeable.

2) Heart work

Some people are led by the heart. They can’t help but be utterly impassioned by their work. They’re emotionally triggered, leading to very empathetic and a level of passionate aggression. And why do I use the word aggression? Well, it’s because their need to understand the universe and connect with others can be very intense.

You will not find these people taking a job that is good enough. They’d prefer to be a pauper and do something worth living than a life with golden handcuffs. Golden handcuffs are when someone takes and keeps a job they have no passion for because of the financial benefits. People who are ruled by their hearts could not live like that.

These people probably make the most obvious impact on society. They need society to live out their dreams, their connection to the world around them is what ultimately leads them. Feelings mean everything to them. In simplest terms these people are artists.

Some great artistic leaders that have dominated their industry with their hearts are Leonardo da Vinci, Alfred Hitchcock, and Anton Chekhov.

• Leonardo da Vinci – Da Vinci was many things in his life. He was a scientist, an inventor, and an artist. He revolutionized the art world with his portraits. The most famous is the Mona Lisa.
• Alfred Hitchcock – If there’s someone who can really cause you to experience a whole bunch of sensations is Alfred Hitcock. A master storyteller that directed Psycho.
• Anton Chekhov – Only people of the stage really know about Anton Chekhov and his contributions to the theater. He wrote plays like The SeaGull that make you reflect on life and question its meaning.

3) Handwork

There are people who use both their heads and heart but their power comes through their hands. They need to physically see their tangible creations. They need a connection they can touch. And their physical creations are what inspire someone to think and feel.

You will not find these people spending hours on a computer or studying those around them. This work can be done in solitude or as a group but ultimately the contributions are easily measured.

So who are these hand people? These are the people who build, construct and conquer with the use of their hands. Skyscrapers are not made by computers, and neither are furniture nor beautiful landscapes. This arena is ruled by the outdoorsy type.

Some great developers that ruled with their hands are Frank Lloyd Wright, Ole Kirk Christiansen, and Imhotep.

• Frank Lloyd Wright – Wright is one of the greatest architects of all time. One of his famous works is the Guggenheim Museum.
• Ole Kirk Christiansen – Who hasn’t played with a lego set? Although it was created in the 1930s it’s still one of the most popular toys available to adults and children.
• Imhotep – A long time ago there were pharaohs and we all know about the great pyramids of Egypt. But did you know that Imhotep invented them by accident? He was simply designing a tomb for his pharaoh when he ran out of space. He decided to build up.

4) Bodywork

Some people chose to use their whole physical body. This takes a lot of strength emotionally and intellectually when it comes to game strategy and discipline. Again these people wouldn’t spend their lives with a computer. And they don’t just rely on their hands.

Testing limits is where these people thrive. They push themselves to defeat standards and although they’re physically trying to break boundaries they have a well-structured routine and system to get there.

These people can thrive within different disciplines but one thing always maintains true. They are moving. People who use their bodies can be professional athletes, coaches, firemen, or in the army. They have a calling to protect and serve or to entertain and demonstrate. Either way, their power is undeniable and they tend to serve a great service to society.

Some of the greatest physical leaders include Babe Ruth, Deanne Shulman, and Spartacus.

• Babe Ruth – He was so good there’s a candy bar named after him. Ruth played professional baseball for twenty-two years and hit 714 home runs, a record that lasted 40 years.
• Deanne Shulman – Shulman is the first female smokejumper in history. A smokejumper is a person who combats forest fires.
• Spartacus – We all know him as a Halloween costume but before that, he is one of the greatest gladiators of all time. One of his greatest contributions to society is that he led a major slave rebellion.

5) Voice work

Last but not least are those who leverage their voices to take on the world. These are the people who use their physical voices to share their messages. They are not about to let life pass them by without giving some feedback.

There’s a lot of heart work here but these people have chosen their voice as their chosen instrument. These are the people you want to take seriously and listen to because there’s no stopping them. Whether they’re fighting to protect others, themselves, or entertain, they’re the kind of people you can’t take your eyes off of.

These are our singers, advocates, and teachers. Without them, life would just become one blur. They put a stop to time and demand that you take a moment and listen to what’s happening. They help chart new paths in life and history and help us continue to evolve.

Some of the greatest vocal leaders of all time are Tony Robbins, Martin Luther King Jr, and Aretha Franklin

• Tony Robbins – Is a motivational speaker. He has published many books, hosts seminars, and runs a nonprofit.
• Martin Luther King Jr – A prominent speaker and leader during the civil rights movement. You may know him by a little speech that starts with the lines, “I have a dream”.
• Aretha Franklin – Aretha Franklin is a singing legend. What separates her from the rest is besides sharing her powerful singing voice with the world, she also advocates for women’s and civil rights.

This post was all about the 5 types of work and where they live in your body.