To truly match your potential, it is not enough to study hard and land a job. The really successful continually improve themselves, learn from the past and others and plan for the future.
The key factors to doing this include time management, putting together a personal CV, frequently appraising your skills, assessing the skills that help you across all sections of life, and learning new skills.
People who look to improve themselves try to ensure they live a balanced life, where work, family, hobbies and learning go hand-in-hand. This can be difficult, particularly in the tough conditions of cruise ship jobs or hotel jobs, but not impossible. Learning to do this can be as simple as delegating or sharing jobs based on your position at work, making lists of things to do, and avoiding things you do not really want or need to do.
It also helps to know the times when you feel most energetic about doing things, so you can schedule in the hardest tasks during that time.
Do not only draw up a CV or resume to apply for new jobs in hospitality. These pieces of paper help you understand the skills you have learnt over the years and how you received them – through volunteer work, an internship, hobbies, education or employment. You can then pinpoint the ones you need to work on further.
There are some skills that help you in all areas of life, such as people skills or personal hygiene. Some of these that help you at all times include interpersonal skills, verbal and written skills, problem-solving skills, basic IT skills, empathy and organisational skills.
Often you might identify new skills you would like to have, but have problems learning them, either because you do not believe in yourself, you do not have the funds or time. Positive thought, getting support from inspiring people and taking small steps can help boost confidence and self-esteem. To tackle a lack of funds, look for free courses on the internet or scholarships by institutes in your vicinity that will save both time and money.
Every time you achieve a new goal or learn a new skill, keep a record of it – either in a diary or by adding it to your CV. All these help you set personal goals and get on track to achieving them.
Above all, never neglect your physical and mental health and well-being. Engage in regular exercise, eat healthy and spend time de-stressing whenever you can. Being healthy ensures that you can work at an optimum level all the time.