Working on your career is something that can still be done even from home. It’s easy to think we have to be out and about in order to network and learn, but actually, a lot can still be done right from your couch.

1. Read Books

Reading books is one of the best ways to grow both personally and professionally. One of the best ways to read more books is to stick to a schedule, be consistent and read a set amount of pages each day. I would recommend timing yourself and determining how long it takes you to read 5 pages in a book. Once you figure that out you can multiply by how long you are able to read each day.

For example, if you can read for 30 minutes a day, you might be able to read 15-20 pages per day. The average book is about 200 pages or so, so this would allow you to finish about every two weeks or so. Something so small as a half-hour per day can lead to reading 25 books in a year! The power of the compound effect is really powerful. Small efforts over time lead to big results.

By the way, one of the best books I recommend is called The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy. 

2. Listen to Podcasts

I love podcasts. They’re a great way to listen to conversations about literally whatever topic you wish. It’s basically like listening to a conversation between people about a given topic. I like listening to podcasts while working out, cleaning the house, going for walks, etc. I’ve learned so much from podcasts and been able to feed myself so much valuable information while doing other tasks. It’s like killing two birds with one stone. Some of my all-time favorite podcasts are:

1. Tony Robbins Podcast
2. Ed Mylett Show
3. Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher
4. Marie Forleo Podcast
5. Rise Together Podcast with Rachel and Dave Hollis

3. Educate Yourself

The sky is the limit with self-education. There are literally never-ending resources out there to educate yourself and learn online. There are tons of free and paid resources, courses, videos, webinars, articles, and so much more. If you want to get certified, or simply just learn a new skill, the resources are unlimited. I’ve currently been taking Marie Forleo’s B-School which is an amazing resource to learn how to start and grow a business.

I’ve also been taking courses from Masterclass which is a resource where the best people in their niches, teach you different things. For example, Serena Williams teaches a course on tennis, Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, has a course on business, etc.

These are just two of the MANY resources I engage in and use to learn from. There are so many out there, all you have to do is simply type whatever you want to learn in Google, and you will be amazed at how much is really out there.

“Formal education will make you a living; self–education will make you a fortune.”

4. Network Online

With the rise of technology and social media today, career networking online is huge. Sites like LinkedIn, Facebook groups, and twitter are some amazing places to meet people from around the work who are in the same industry as you or share the same interests. By simply following and engaging with these people, you can slowly build a virtual relationship, and someday, even meet them.

Definitely be smart and safe, but don’t be afraid to be intentional about expanding your network online, and extending a reach a few times a day. You never know who you will come in contact with.

5. Do Research

If you are interested in a topic or wonder about a question, research it. Consistently seek answers and understanding. One of the best things you can do to ensure you consistently grow into your best self is to adopt a mindset of constantly learning. The world is a classroom, and the more we know, the further we’ll go.

Whatever it is that you are curious about or wondering, you can easily do research to learn more about it. No one in the world cares more about your dreams than you do. So if you want something, if you want to learn how to do something, simply begin. Type that sentence into Google, and let the journey of self-education and topic research begin.

I hope these methods help you grow professionally, so you can strengthen and sharpen your skills, and essentially work on your career right from your couch!