Most of us want to get better at what we do — whether that means improving a skill, getting ready for a new role, or simply feeling more capable in the day-to-day. Good intentions are a good start, but you won’t get very far on good intentions alone – you need a learning plan!

That doesn’t mean filling your calendar with back-to-back courses or setting overly ambitious goals. It means being clear about what you want to work on, finding a way to make it part of your routine, and (most importantly) sticking with it.

Here are some tips for building a (sustainable) learning plan that’s actually useful — and realistic.

1. Figure out what you’re aiming for

Before you start signing up for anything, take a breath and think. What would you like to feel more confident in? What’s currently holding you back at work? Where do you want to be in 6–12 months? (or in a year!)

Pick one or two areas to focus on. That’s enough. The goal here is progress, not a complete overhaul. Trying to tackle everything at once is not the way to go – you’ll only make it harder on yourself and find yourself giving up.

2. Make your goal specific

Vague goals like “become a better communicator” or “improve time management” are hard to act on. Reword them into something you can measure or work towards with a clear outcome. Think specific things like, for example, being able to give a team update without looking down at your notes, or finishing a short project management course by the end of the month. The point of this is not to be rigid, but rather, to give yourself something clear to aim for.

3. Break it down into manageable steps

This is the hard part. Once you’ve set a goal, figure out what it’ll take to get there. That might include reading, watching a short video, trying something new at work, or asking for feedback. Don’t just say “I need to do X, fullstop”. Breaking it up in smaller steps will make it easier to digest and realistically do. Keep it simple.
If you’re short on time, commit to 20–30 minutes a week. If you prefer structure, schedule it. Either way, make it easy to start — not easy to avoid.

4. Pick a learning format that suits you

You don’t need a diploma to learn something new. Some people prefer online courses. Others learn better by doing or through conversation.

Consider different formats. You may prefer short-form learning (a podcast, article, or video), learning from the best (or a colleague – by asking them to show you how they do something, by hands-on practise of a new skill on a small internal project. Many may also prefer to follow one topic for a month instead of dabbling in ten. The best format is the one you’ll actually use.

5. Keep track — but don’t overdo it

You don’t need a perfect system. A notes app or short monthly check-in will do. Jot down what you’ve done, what worked, and what you’d like to try next. And if you fall off for a week or two? Pick it back up. This isn’t a race — it’s a habit.

6. Share your plan with someone

Telling your manager, a mentor, or even a colleague what you’re working on can help you stay accountable — and might open up opportunities to apply what you’re learning.

You don’t need to formalise it. Just mention, “I’m working on improving X, so I’m trying Y — if you spot anything useful or have advice, I’d love to hear it.”

In summary: keep it simple, specific, and consistent

A personal learning plan doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. Choose something meaningful, make a small plan, and stick with it just enough to see progress. Adjust as you go.

You don’t have to learn everything. But you should learn something — and that’s more than enough.

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