How to Keep Learning at Work — Even When You Feel Fried
Continuous learning is the key to having lasting influence in your career, yet a heavy workload makes it hard to find the time. To ensure you’re creating opportunities even when you’re feeling depleted or overwhelmed, try these five strategies:
1. Challenge Your Beliefs About Your Capacity
Oftentimes, we underestimate our own abilities and overestimate the time required to learn something new. It’s easy to say, “I don’t have the time” or “I’m already too busy.” However, it’s crucial to push back against these limiting beliefs. Start small, perhaps with a brief article or a short video tutorial. You might be surprised at how much you can absorb in just a few minutes each day.
2. Start with Topics That Solve Urgent Problems
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s best to focus on learning topics that address immediate challenges. For instance, if your team is struggling with project management, a quick course on effective time management strategies can be immensely beneficial. By prioritizing learning that has immediate practical applications, you’ll not only enhance your skills but also alleviate some of the stress from pressing problems.
3. Don’t Limit Yourself to Formal Programs
Learning doesn’t always have to come from structured classes or certifications. Informal learning opportunities are all around you. Consider joining professional groups, attending webinars, or even engaging with thought leaders on social media. These activities often require less time but can be just as enriching. The key is to stay curious and open-minded about different sources of knowledge.
4. Make an Emotional Connection to Learning
When you tie your learning endeavors to something you’re passionate about, it becomes less of a chore and more of an enjoyable pursuit. Reflect on why you entered your field in the first place and what you love about your job. Transform that passion into a driving force for your learning activities. Having a genuine interest in the subject matter will help you stay motivated, even during challenging times.
5. Work with Your Brain, Not Against It
Our brains have natural cycles of peak performance and downtime. Identify when you are most alert during the day and allocate that time to learning activities. Practicing techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique can also help you stay focused by alternating periods of intensive work with short breaks. By aligning your learning schedule with your cognitive rhythms, you’ll absorb information more efficiently and avoid burnout.
Remember, continuous learning is not about vast amounts of time and energy but about consistent, intentional efforts. By integrating these strategies into your routine, you can keep expanding your knowledge base and staying relevant in your field—even when your workload feels overwhelming. Implement these tips, and you’ll find that learning can be a sustainable and rewarding part of your career journey.
