It’s no secret that pursuing additional education opportunities can lead to better career advancement and self-satisfaction. Research shows that income levels consistently increase alongside education levels for U.S. workers. Plus, employees who commit to any kind of at-work learning are 47% less likely to be stressed and 21% more likely to feel confident and happy.

In other words, incorporating new learning opportunities can be beneficial for your wallet and your overall quality of life. At the same time, however, you might feel nervous about taking on a new challenge. For many adults, work is just one of many responsibilities in life and you may feel like you’d be out of practice in a traditional learning environment.

But as you’ll see, there are concrete steps you can take to not only feel confident pursuing continuing education, but also to build a strong support system that makes success come easily.

Break through any self-doubt by following these tips to create and execute a skill-building plan that launches your career to the next level.

Defeat imposter syndrome by celebrating your wins

It’s easy to let imposter syndrome settle in and overcome your desire to grow your skills at work. But in all likelihood, you’re probably not giving yourself enough credit for everything you’ve already accomplished.

Schedule some time to perform your own personal review with a commitment to focusing on everything you’ve accomplished in the last year or two. While you’re at it, promise yourself not to engage in any negative self-talk.

Include accomplishments from both your work and personal life to demonstrate to yourself how well you can actually balance multiple responsibilities. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Wrapping up a project ahead of schedule
• Staying on budget at home or the office
• Receiving positive feedback from a boss, co-worker, client, or patient
• Getting the kids to after-school activities on time for a semester
• Cooking at home a few nights a week

These aren’t the sparkly goals you see on social media or in the movies, but they are major accomplishments. Celebrate the power of small wins as you start to consider a plan for working your way towards a new role at work.

Develop your learning muscles without a major commitment

It’s a common misconception that continuing education requires a major time commitment to a college level degree. But there are actually many types of professional development that don’t require years of coursework. Standalone classes, training programs, and shorter certificate programs are great options to work your way back into the classroom and rebuild your confidence as well as your skills on the job.

Instead of committing to a degree program, start off with one class or training and resolve to complete it while doing your best. Keeping your goals manageable leads to a better chance of success because you can see exactly what it takes to achieve them.

As you explore education opportunities, get your mindset in the right place. Many people may remember negative school experiences from earlier in life, like a teacher who didn’t believe in your abilities. Forget about the past and focus on who you are now: an accomplished adult who is perfectly capable of excelling in today’s learning environment. You’re not defined by your past or what one individual thought of you at any point. Create your own personal narrative by focusing on your career mobility and building a better future on your own terms.

Match up goals and opportunities with a career coach

Enlisting the help of a career coach is a smart move if you’re not sure what your next career move should be. A lot of employees know they want something more but can’t figure out exactly what that looks like. Maybe you want to earn more money or gain more flexibility in your schedule. With a career coach, you don’t have to figure out the best type of continuing education all on your own.

EdAssist coaches understand your company’s talent needs as well as available benefits. They also have the training to talk about your own life, responsibilities, and goals. If you’re unsure of a professional goal, your coach can help you identify different career pathways with your employer. They’ll also map out the available resources, such as tuition help or education institution partnerships, that work in tandem with your schedule and budget.

A career coach helps take out the overwhelm that is often felt by employees who are unsure about continuing education. Together you’ll look at different program opportunities so that your continuing education plan becomes an achievable series of to-do lists – not an unattainable dream that feels out of reach. 

Incorporate learning into your development plan

Once you’ve created your continuing education roadmap, make it official with your manager by including it in your development plan. This formalizes the process and brings in support from your entire team at work. You’ll find it helpful if you ever need to request a change in your work schedule to accommodate a certain class, especially if it will add to the skills used in your current role.

Being open with your learning may even connect you with others who have taken a similar course. Having a network for advice and support can provide a sense of community to rely on when challenges arise. 

It’s time to let go of any self-doubt that’s been holding you back from achieving your goals in life. Ready to take the leap and explore continuing education opportunities? Check out your company policies with your manager or HR to confirm eligibility and take advantage of available education assistance benefits with Bright Horizons.