5 Ways to Help Yourself Grow Professionally It's essential to challenge and stretch yourself often, and not let yourself get stuck where you don't feel like you are growing or learning.

By Nicole Smartt

This story originally appeared on Personal Branding Blog

Why does your growth and development matter? It's essential to challenge and stretch yourself often, and not let yourself get stuck in a job where you don't feel like you are growing or learning.

There is more potential inside each person than even they know. In a fast-paced world with everyone wanting it now, in real-time, and a world that is constantly evolving, its more important than ever to continue to grow professionally and personally. Not only does intentional growth and development have the potential to make you better at your job, it can help you feel more fulfilled both in and out of the workplace.

Here are five steps to help you grow professionally even without the support of your company.

Related: How to Be More Persuasive at Work

1. Take on new challenges.

It can be risky, stressful and sometimes confusing, and it's a perpetual cycle, but it's a great thing: this is how professionals and successful companies survive. Sometimes it may seem that new problems crop up as fast as you solve the old ones (sometimes faster!), but that just means you are moving—that you are getting better and stronger. When an opportunity approaches you, seize it!

2. Read.

Yep, it's that straightforward. Read informative articles from solid, respected sources (if there are citations, you're going the right direction.) Pick up a book, in e- or paper format, or take an online class. Dedicate an hour a day to read and gain more knowledge.

3. Invest in your learning.

There are so many free webinars, on practically every subject imaginable. Carve out some time each day (or each week) to watch a webinar or two. Most are short, easy to understand, and don't take huge pieces out of your already busy life. Or, take a whole course! We love Coursera for learning online.

Related: The Mentality of a Successful Career

4. Get a mentor.

Look around in your company for someone to mentor you. If one is not available, reach out to thought leaders through LinkedIn or through a connection. It's important that you have a connection to the person you seek. I always recommend searching for leaders in your industry through LinkedIn or an association/organization.

5. Surround yourself with like-minded peers.

See if there are Meetup groups in your area. Make friends, collaborate, and have fun. It's guaranteed to be enriching. You can meet like-minded peers by attending a networking event, joining a board, or through friends.

There is always something you can improve on; make daily deposits into your personal development bank and soon your bank account will grow.

Related: 15 Behaviors and Traits of Great Leaders

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Science & Technology

Build a Profitable One-Person Business That Runs Itself — with These 7 AI Tools

Discover seven tools to automate content, leads and sales so you scale solo.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business Solutions

Send Your Productivity Skyrocketing for Only $15 With Windows 11 Pro

Get advanced security and productivity features, plus game-changing AI assistant.

Making a Change

Serious About Professional Growth? $20 Gets You 1,000+ Expert-Led Courses for Life.

The secret to gaining proficiency in business tactics, coding, marketing strategies, and more.

Business News

The Fastest-Growing Startup Ever Just Surpassed $500 Million in Annual Revenue. Here's Why It Keeps Growing, According to Its CEO.

Anysphere is the startup behind Cursor, a popular AI coding assistant now used by more than half of Fortune 500 companies.