Life and Work Skills for Young Professionals
Oftentimes, the skills we learn for work translate into skills we use outside of work as well. There are so many critical skills we could and should learn, but the most “important” ones will probably vary depending on who you ask.
Shana Lebowitz created a great list of 24 Life Skills Every Adult Should Master Before Turning 30, so we’ve highlighted a few of the best. These skills are important for both work and life outside of work, so take notes!
- Accepting feedback gracefully: This one is very important. It’s easy to take feedback personally, especially if you haven’t been in the “adult” world for very long. We’ve all been there, and we’ve all had to adjust. Remember especially in a professional environment that feedback isn’t personal, and it’s meant to help you. In fact, a supervisor or colleague who tries to help you with feedback usually wants you to stick around and grow. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be investing their time in you.
- Apologizing sincerely: Being in a situation where you have to apologize, especially at work, never feels good. However, the best to recovering from a slip up is apologizing in an authentic way. Learn when to admit you were wrong, and assure your supervisor that you’ve learned from the situation. Stay humble.
- Empathy: Emotional intelligence is is an important component of working with others. Remember that everyone’s perspective is not the same as your own, and everyone has different experiences. Try to see things from others’ perspective.
- Creating (and maintaining) a budget: Making a budget is a logical thing to do regardless, but sticking to it is also very satisfying. It feels good to be on top of things, and will cause much less stress than not having a spending plan.
Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash
Recent Posts
Quote of the Day: Peter T. McIntyre
Confidence comes not from always being right but from not fearing to be wrong. - Peter T. McIntyre When you show confidence in your actions at work it encourages the confidence of others. Likewise, should you be tentative or show fear in being wrong, you invite these...
Passwords that Increase Your Chances of Getting Hacked?
With the Internet and Social Media all kinds of opportunities have opened for job seekers and others. Whether it is maintaining a very professional profile or showcasing your work, or even something as simple as reconnecting with old friends and co-workers, the...
Quote of the Day: Jane Goodall
What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. - Jane Goodall Jane Goodall’s observation about we do and the type of difference we want to make with our actions, merits attention in our professional lives as well. What...
Quote of the Day: Benjamin Franklin
I didn't fail the test, I just found 100 ways to do it wrong. - Benjamin Franklin Whether you are new to a job or an office veteran there will be new situations or tasks that you respond to incorrectly. Your answer may have been 90% right or effective in your actions...
Setting Future Goals is Good for Your Career, Life and Retirement
When you’re very young you dream a lot about what you want to grow up to be and what you want your future to look like. As you grow older, however, it seems that living in the moment becomes much more important. In fact, some people are so busy with their day to day...
Quote of the Day: Roger Ward Babson
It is wise to keep in mind that neither success nor failure is ever final. - Roger Ward Babson (entrepreneur, economist and founder of Babson College) It is a success to achieve a new position and it is a further success to retain that role and expand on it. There...
Quote of the Day: Harrison Ford
We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance. -Harrison Ford Changes are sometimes frightening but may also offer opportunities that are invisible at first glance. For instance, maybe you’ve had your mind set on...
Simple Tricks and Tips to Inspire a More Creative You!
Would you like to be more creative in your personal and/or professional life? There are many self-help books that promote all kinds of ideas and concepts. However, if you’re short on time, you may want to look at author Travis Bradberry’s recent article...
Can a “Done List” be Just as Important as a “To Do” List?
If you operate better with a “To Do” list rather than just winging it, you may want to consider preparing a “Done List” when all tasks are completed. As you’re moving from one item to another, whether for either your personal and/or professional life,...
Quote of the Day: Ann Landers
Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don't recognize them. -Ann Landers Throughout your career, there will be many challenges, obstacles and changes, but also hidden opportunities if you are astute enough to find them. How you...
Self-Imposed Deadlines the Key to Success?
Throughout your life there will always be deadlines you will have to meet. The way you approach them, however, can positively or negatively impact your career. Creating your own deadlines may make a substantially positive and powerful difference in your...
Quote of the Day: Walt Disney
All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. -Walt Disney Today, more than ever, individuals not only have to possess dreams, but they also need to have the passion, commitment, strength, and dedication to realize them. While many...
How to Keep Your LinkedIn Profile Professional
Having a LinkedIn profile is an essential for every career minded individual today. Being able to follow some simple tips and common sense will help you go far, particularly when the person viewing your information may be a potential employer. Ladder...
Self Esteem vs. Self Compassion
Self esteem seems to be a challenge for us all. We all struggle with invasive thoughts about our performance in any arena, but the workplace tends to be one that everyone can relate to. Everyone experiences stress about their performance level, quality of...