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In upcoming weeks, not only will you get exclusive-to-the-newsletter content that focuses on how to take your next step, you’ll also receive the first look and discounts on a variety of products I’m preparing to launch, including new workshops, eBooks and discounts on coaching programs.

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Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study.  Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life. ~Henry L. Doherty

So, where do you start? Think about what skill or area of expertise you would like to improve your proficiency in. Don’t limit yourself to the field you work in or the specific job you do currently. You might want to be a better public speaker or improve you typing because you’re sick to death of using the “hunt and peck” method of typing your proposals and memos. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn Italian or desire to learn new management methods. Whatever the skill may be, both you and your company will benefit. More knowledge is always an asset.

The first step is to decide what you want to focus on:

• Do you need to go back and finish your college degree? Choose one class or enroll full-time.
• Do you need to learn a new skill to advance to the next level? Management, leadership, HR might be good choices.
• How are your communication skills? Take a public speaking class or join a group like Toastmasters. Take a writing course or one on advanced Microsoft Word techniques.
• Speaking of Microsoft, how about a course on Excel or PowerPoint?
• Is there a seminar for ongoing training in your profession that you’d benefit from?
• How about a new skill? Marketing, Social Media or record-keeping?
• Do you need to get better at managing your finances? Even if you have accountants and financial managers, you still need to have an understanding of what is going on financially in your business.
• Almost everybody could use a refresher on office skills, no matter what level you are at. A course on organizational skills maybe or learning to use dictation software for faster writing.

The possibilities are endless. You are you most valuable tool. Investing in yourself will almost invariably have the highest rate of return.

My quick story: My regular readers know that my husband is deployed to the Middle East; that’s just background information. Last week I received an email from our local family services coordinator at the base that went out to all of the spouses/partners of the deployed service members. It’s great that we have communication from the base, but what was lacking was a community of support for the wives. No support network existed, so I suggested to the base that we start one, offered my assistance and they agreed.  Now we have our own network; a private Facebook group where we can share thoughts, concerns and ask for help from one another. We are growing quickly and are slowly developing a broader reach and a valuable connection. Who knows what may come of this; parenting help, career assistance, sharing of skills, mentoring and of course friendship.

Another result of this project was that I decided that more sharing of information and support was needed by military spouses as a whole and knew that I could fill that need. So, out of this experience came not only a new support network, but a new website – GuardWife.com – and a book on deployment from the family’s perspective is in progress.

Lessons learned:

• Speak up and ask for what you want!
• Chances are good that someone else needs the same resource that you are looking for.
• If the network doesn’t exist; create it yourself.
• If you find a need out there that is not being met; FILL IT!

You may be able to make money from your innovations and ideas or maybe not. You never know where they will lead you. The important thing is that your need will be filled and you will most likely have added to your network and helped others along the way.

If you want to read more on stepping outside your comfort zone, read Key Questions: What Are Your Limitations?