By J.T. O'Donnell
This week on C-REAL-TV, I interviewed Ray Wenderlich, an iPhone App developer who took what he learned from The 10,000 Rule article to a whole new level. Ray became inspired when he realized virtually anyone can become an expert - no talent required. You just need to amass enough hours of learning and experience (i.e. Tiger Woods, Bill Gates). But, then he wondered...how do you track that?
Three weeks ago, Ray sent me an e-mail letting me know our post was the catalyst for him to develop, LevelMeUp - an iPhone app that literally tracks your hours on the road to being an expert in your field. Imagine how exciting it was to learn just one article had made such an impact on a reader - so much so, that he built a career tool for others! And in case you are wondering, we are not getting paid to promote Ray's app or taking any kind of commission on sales through links on this site. There's no compensation involved. We're simply blown-away impressed by his desire to create a solution like this and had to share it with readers.
In the interview above, you'll hear Ray explain:
1) Why having a tool to track your hours can motivate you improve, just like advancing levels in a video game.
2) How tracking hours can help you feel more in control and optimistic about your ability to become an expert.
3) How you may be racking up hours and not even realizing it!
Ray's already gotten some excellent feedback from folks using the LevelMeUp app and hopes to add even greater functionality soon.
I can't stress enough what a great example Ray is of what it takes to brand yourself as an expert. His proactive decision to design a solution says a lot about him as an employee, don't you agree? I hope everyone takes a minute to hear his story and then checks out his useful app. Why not start tracking your own hours on LevelMeUp and let us know how you are doing?
Ray, congrats again on an app well-done. I'm pretty sure Malcolm Gladwell would agree...you are proof his 10,000 Hour Rule works!
You can checkout Ray Wenderlich's app at the LevelMeUp website... Or, download it from the iPhone App Store...
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Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.
However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.
Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.
Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career
BigstockBeing honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.
But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan.
Find A Way To Grow Your Career
BigstockCareer growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.
Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill!
Better Serve Your Professional Network
With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!
It's important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!
Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.
Take Care Of Yourself
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Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it's important to find balance.
Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.
Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.
Need help sticking to your career resolutions?
Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!
This article was originally published at an earlier date.
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