Commercial Marketing Manager at Vodafone
Student since October 2019
Jolt classes taken so far: 26
Michelle holds a business and economics degree from Trinity in Dublin. After a few years of working, she realised there was still a gap in her knowledge she wanted to close, but didn’t want to pay in excess for an MBA. She believes a traditional MBA is great as a stamp on your CV but you should be promoted for the skills and value you add, and not just because you hold a certificate.
After 3 months of learning with Jolt, Michelle was promoted at work. She used a class on negotiation tactics to help her get the responsibilities and benefits she wanted within her new role - and her teacher and classmates role-played the scenario with her.
She now chooses classes that are directly related to what she wants to achieve at work. For example, she just took a class on Remote management to help her adjust to working from home.
She loves workshops and mini-courses as they allow her to spend more time learning with the same people, solving problems together and forging relationships.
Charles Darwin took long walks around London. Kurt Vonnegut made listening to jazz a daily priority. Fiona Apple disappeared for 6 years after the release of her third album.
I ask because I can often be found agonising over the "more". If only I posted on Instagram more, I'll think in the bath. I'd have more followers if I pitched to more publications. I need to post 2 more times a week, minimum. I could go on...
Between you and me, I've got frustrated with myself for browsing Facebook or watching too much TV more times than I can remember.
And I'm not alone. So many of us are terrified of taking a break, creatively speaking. We won't let a moment pass without listening to a podcast, consuming an article or sharing something.
The cognitive load is real, y'all.
But like Vitamin D, sleep and good food, it's not only ok to take a break, it's essential.
Living a successful life is also about knowing when not to work. For your best output, you need to focus on your input, too.
The world won't end if you disappear from the internet for a week or so. Your creativity won't suddenly stop. Your time is now, but your time was also then and it will be again.
Many of us confuse being "busy" with being constructive. But you can only do your best work by taking breaks.
And science backs it up, too. The brain requires substantial downtime to do its most innovative thinking. The ideas you have while driving or in the shower aren't coincidental. They're a result of you taking a step back, whether you're aware of it or not.
Let yourself take a wonderful and indulgent break. Several breaks. Hell, get downright bored.
Wallow in it. Don't be afraid of it. Push it as far as you can.
When you leave your laptop behind, something always happens. A new idea or a fresh perspective appears.
Take proper breaks, often. Completely clear your mind. Your next best idea depends on it.
By taking this 10-min test I can set myself up for success
