Human Development: Stay Relevant in the Digital Age

Have you heard of globalization? What about the digital age or the future of work? 

Well, you need to get familiar with it because it impacts your future personally and professionally. We are currently in the fourth revolution or the second machine age (source), where access to technology and information impacts how you exist. I know this is nothing new, but hear me out. 

This revolution has changed how everything is done in our daily lives, but that doesn’t mean everything about you has to change. Now more than ever, it’s important to be loud about and leverage your character, which makes you the best in your lane.

Character: [Noun] the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. 

To not let tech change you means that you use tech to access new relationships and elevate your skill set to bridge gaps across your career, finances, and health. My hope in sharing these tools is to help you build resilience as you navigate your career development. 

Career 

As a first-generation professional your career is something you should take pride in. No matter how you got to this position you’ve probably put in 10,000 hours of dedication, not to mention the money and other sacrifices you’ve made to be here. 

The hard truth about growing in your career is that the sacrifices that you’ve made to get into the position that you are in are not what keeps you there. A way to make sure that you stay and sustain your career is to implement systems, methods, and routines to maintain all of your hard work. Think about the maintenance it takes for your car to run. Your career needs maintenance, too.

Here are a few things I have included in my career maintenance package. 

• Support Systems: Build a support network of friends, family, or professionals who can provide guidance and encouragement in good times and bad. I created a career game plan and a 90-day plan to support my success and growth.

• Stress Management: High-stress levels can affect mental and physical health. Have strategies in place for relaxation, such as mindfulness, working out, or quiet time.

• Time Management: Juggling multiple responsibilities can lead to feelings of overwhelm. Developing effective prioritization and scheduling skills is crucial.

• Goal Setting: Lack of clear, achievable goals can lead to aimlessness. Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals can provide direction to use all of your resources and reduce stress.

The goal here is to avoid burnout and to be proactive as you navigate your options. 

Finances 

Earning money and being financially stable are two different things. As a first-generation, it’s common for us to sacrifice a lot of our health and relationships to earn high amounts of money. Being a high earner is great. Spending is where the challenges are especially if we’re responsible for people other than ourselves. 

• Financial Planning: Seeking professional advice or using budgeting tools can help manage finances effectively.

• Annual Budget: Have a plan for your money across the year so you can adjust to surprises faster. 

• Perspective: Use your money like a tool. Keep it circulating to benefit your daily life to build your legacy.   

Keep these methods in play to keep your money circulating and working toward building the lifestyle you want.

Health 

Too often first gens sacrifice their health for a better chance at life. We take on careers that put us in horrible environments like the air or keep us sleep-deprived just to make it out of the struggle we’re in. We take on things in the short term that take on long-term impacts. The access tech gives can distract us from how much we take on until we’re sick or burning out. 

Pay attention to the following to keep your health in a good place. 

• Nutrition: Poor eating habits can lead to health issues and reduced energy levels. Develop a balanced diet plan that fits your lifestyle and fuels your body enough to complete your commitments.

• Exercise: Make time to move your body. Regular physical activity is crucial for overall health and is commonly neglected due to time constraints and lack of time management. 

• Sleep: Insufficient sleep affects both mental and physical health. Establishing a consistent sleep routine can improve your well-being.

• Health Check-ups: Regular medical check-ups can help catch potential health issues early, providing peace of mind.

• Health Plan: You should have a 60-year health plan. I personally use this wellness plan to track my health. If you’re a visual person, I made this IG video and this carousel to discuss it more.

We are in the makings of a global economy. Building your resilience to navigate through the uncertainty to push through and capitalize on the opportunities the digital age provides. Stay ready in the digital age by building your own internal systems to help you keep your character and your wow factor.