May is Mastery Month - What Skills Will You Sharpen?

May is mastery month.  What does that mean?  For me, it means learning something new and getting better at something old.  It could be honing a skill as well.   Its about investing some time into learning more. 

Most adult have contemplating taking up a new hobby, but never done it.  Many of us have considered taking a class or lesson, and abandoned the notion.  May is the time that I challenge you to revisit those forgotten passions or interested.  Dr. Stephen Covey called it 'sharpening the saw' (in 7 habits of highly effective people).

There is a purpose to all of this as well.  It's not just for fun, it's for development.  You might want to learn more about top companies in your industry in order to stay on top of the latest trends and practices.  You may want to sharpen an existing skill to ready yourself for a promotion.  You might consider learning more about the global economy to impress potential clients.  Perhaps you would be interested in gaining more knowledge about the stock market to improve your retirement portfolio.  

Whatever your motive or motivation, there are lots of ways to sharpen your saw.   Here are some ways to get started mastering in May.  

•  Most universities offer certification program, and executive degrees for a fraction of the price of advanced degrees.  Give them a call and request more information.
• Community colleges, recreation centers and other institutes offer skill-building courses in everything from painting to guitar to creative writing.  You can develop a new skill in one night or a few weeks.
• Joining a league (like bowling, tennis, etc) is also a great way to master abilities in certain areas by practicing frequently.  It also has the added benefit learning from others. 
• I have found that when it comes to DIY projects, YouTube videos are a quick and easy way to pick up new ideas. If you're a visual learner or have a short attention span,  this could be the way to go for you.
• Subscribing to magazines and trade publications that focuses on a particular subject matter or industry is also an effective way to sharpen your skills.  For example HR.com magazine has become a staple for me in learning about new trends and developments in Human Resources.  There are hundreds of industry specific publications available.  Garden Design magazine is a great choice for the avid landscaper; Nurse.com The Magazine is educational for those in the medical care profession; and the list goes on and on.

How will you use the month of May to make yourself more skilled or marketable?  What will you do to stay educated and relevant?  Align your efforts with your goals, and you're sure to see maximum results.

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