Friday, 8 July 2011

The Importance of Professional Development - Life-Long Learning and the Power of Positive Thinking By Todd Simon

The concept of professional development may be new to you, but it is an important aspect that should be, in one way or another, involved in all our lives. Professional development is about being aware of the decisions that you make, the way you think about, and the way you handle different situations. The concept behind professional development is the idea that you have untapped potential, and to not settle with what you have if you want more out of life. Professional development is a process of continually progressing and refining your character and qualities as a parent, a teacher, a secretary, a doctor, a lawyer- as whatever or whoever you are. It is about life-long learning and growing as an individual.
The Power of Positive Thinking
Positive thinking and professional development go hand-in-hand. If you think you can be better, then you can be. If you don't like your job or are ready for a change, and you tell yourself there is no hope, you will be continually unhappy. However, when you start looking at things in a positive light, you will be able to put more energy and effort into everything you do, because you know that you are working towards an end goal.
Setting Goals
Professional development is all about goal-setting. Setting obtainable or realistic goals is imperative to attaining what you need or want. Goals must be measurable and they must have a timetable for them to be accomplished. If you set a goal that cannot be measured it is often difficult to see how far you have come or how much you have progressed from the beginning. At the same time, goals that do not have a set timetable have a tendency to become a fantasy instead of a reality. Timetables give you focus and a sense of urgency in everything you do when it is related to your goal. Being able to measure your progress and setting a timetable will give you a sense of accomplishment and keep you thinking positively.
Overcome
Past failures and negativity from family, friends, or colleagues can be difficult to overcome. However, professional development is about moving beyond- learning from those experiences and becoming a better individual because of it. Being able to make changes and sticking to them is not always easy. This is where measured goals with a set timetable become helpful, as you can look back and see just how far you have come.
Professional development is applicable to every individual, regardless of what you do for a living, or other socio-economic factors. Thinking positively and setting realistic goals keep you motivated to continually better yourself, and the world around you.
Your gifts and determination may dictate your potential, but it is your character that will determine your legacy. - unknown
If you are an educator or involved in education in any capacity, 360 Education Solutions has more information to assist with professional development for teachers. You'll find information regarding teaching certification and online teaching degrees as well.
360 Education Solutions is your advocate in the search for quality online teaching degree programs. As an advocate group founded specifically for educators, we provide you with the support and information needed to help you achieve your teaching certification and educational aspirations.
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