Learning and Doing

by Judy Klipin

I went to a training workshop this weekend.  It was on Transactional Analysis, which I love and I use a lot of in my work.  (After this weekend, I will be using it even more.) I have been to three TA workshops this year – two of them in October – and every time I go to one I am more convinced of their value and application.  I can’t wait to use the theory in my practice.  Actually I haven’t waited – I have already used my new knowledge in my sessions with clients today.

So, thumbs up all round for the TA workshops.  Thumbs down, however, to not having a weekend.  As the end of the year approaches, I realize that I need my weekends more and more.  They are the breathing spaces in my week and allow me to regroup, reconnect with my family and friends and reconnect with myself.

Perhaps it is because I am an adult child and therefore feel compelled to keep improving myself.  I like to think that it is because I am a professional and am committed to growing and developing myself so that I can help others grow and develop.  Whatever the reason, I am a big believer in Continuous Professional Development and, even though I am not required by law to amass CPD points every year, I make sure that I attend at least three or four training programmes every year.  Most of these take place over weekends.

The trainings are demanding and my work is intense.  Both are incredibly rewarding and captivating, but they take the stuffing out of me if I don’t schedule in sufficient down-time.  I am sure others are more robust than I am, but I need to look after myself.

In order to continue growing as a professional without outgrowing my strength, I have made a commitment to myself that I will not be doing any other weekend workshops this year.  I have also committed to ensuring that when I sign up for weekend workshops from next year, I will make sure that I limit myself to one a month, and that I keep the whole of the following Monday free to decompress and reintegrate.

Thus I will ensure that the best of both worlds – learning and doing – in a sustained and sustainable fashion.

Feeling overwhelmed in your life, work or relationships?

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