Never Again?! Learning after Qualifying as a Professional

​Once you completed your gruelling professional exams, did you vow never again to read another textbook, do another practice test, or attend another tutorial?! That's completely natural.

The challenge, however, comes if, after taking a well-deserved break, we really do behave like our qualification is final, and rest on our laurels. These days, it's not enough to simply atrophy for the rest of our multi-decade careers. I prefer to think of those letters after our names as designations, rather than destinations. 

But, I'm not saying we should shrug off the incredible accomplishment, and immediately get back into the ring to be beaten up again. Please do celebrate your hard-won success - there are few moments in life that are as sweet as achieving your professional designation.

And, you deserve a rest too, after the years of sacrifice. The added benefit of such a pause is that the memory of the pain and trauma fades somewhat, perhaps to the point that you think: 'Surely it wasn't THAT bad?' Some even then take on further study formally, perhaps a Masters or another professional qualification. Diversification and a broader skillset are worthwhile if you can face the hours of dedication again.

As we get older too, we tend to have more commitments to juggle, whether a partner, children, aging parents of our own, or a demanding senior job managing teams. I salute those who study with all that on the go at the same time!

The big challenge with lifelong learning - which most agree is becoming increasingly critical as our skills decay faster and faster - is finding the time (and the energy) to keep learning decade after decade. Curiosity and a growth mindset help, yes, but aren't sufficient.

So, I'm keen to hear your tips please! 
What have you found helps you most to keep learning and developing as you progress along your professional career path? Mindsets, tools, techniques, shortcuts, support, processes, anything that helps you.