Every day is a chance to learn something new. This is true whether you’ve been in the same role for 20 years, started a new position last week, or are currently searching for your next job. Throughout the month of May, we are going to examine a few ways you can hone a skill, develop yourself personally and professionally, and stay motivated in your pursuit of growth.

The book of Proverbs is full of wisdom, and these two verses in particular stuck out to me as I pondered this month’s blog topic:

 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. (Proverbs 14:23)

Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank. (Proverbs 22:29)

These verses remind me that it’s very easy to say that you want to get better at something, and much harder to actually put in the time and effort to get good at it. I may say I want to learn French, but unless I actually practice daily I’m never going to be able to say more than “J’aime le chocolat.” Good intentions don’t get you anywhere. Dedicated practice and commitment are the key to growth.

God honors us when we choose to hone the skills He has given us. We may not “serve before kings” these days, but God often gives opportunities for us to put our skills to good use.

Especially if you’ve recently lost a job, that can cause you to question your skills, identity, and worth. But this sudden change in your life is also an opportunity to try something new or dust off a skill you haven’t used in a while. If you’ve been in a role for a while, you may feel stagnant. Dedicating time to getting better at something new could help revitalize you! You never know what good things a growth mindset might bring your way.

Trying something new can help you discover and hone your Aptitudes (Step 3). Your new skills also come in handy in terms of Step 4 – Altitude; they will help you target employers, and they can be included on your resume.

Come back each Tuesday in May to learn more about:

• Professional organizations (such as Toastmasters) designed to build a particular skill, and why it’s worth investing in yourself in this way. 
• Volunteering as a way to develop new skills
• How finding a like-minded community helps support your growth

Wherever you find yourself this month, I hope you take a step out of your comfort zone and try something new. If you did, come tell us in the comments! We’d love to hear your stories.

Laura Miller works for Crossroads Career as a writer and editor, and lives in the Kansas City area with her accountant husband. Laura hosts and produces The Library Laura Podcast, which is a weekly dose of book recommendations, library love, and literary enthusiasm. Previously, she worked in the insurance and retail industries.