What do you do if your professional skills are becoming obsolete due to technological advancements?

Look at the mirror Be honest Never too late to keep up Remember what you have achieved! The above are some hints that I am trying to keep for myself When we are dealing with something new, it’s important not to forget that it was based on our past!

It happens to every one of us, so nothing to feel shameful or guilty about. Also, it's never too late to start! Start today, now. Journey of thousand miles starts with a single step. Assess your professional situation honestly to see if you are lagging behind and things you know are getting outdated. Generally you know, but seeking feedback when not sure is okay too.

The advancement of technology is based on the ability of human thinking to create the best things in the future that are easier by using technology and still managed by humans themselves.

When you know and realize that you indeed need to upskill, then start today. Don't worry about the 'others' as keep in mind there will be multiple other folks in the work who may be feeling the exact same way as you are right now, so you are not alone. Set realistic goals for learning a new skill knowing your own pace. You are competing with yourself, so it doesn't matter what speed others have. What matters ultimately is you started and keep going on.

Finding that friend you always trust or asking your senior colleagues - whatever you are comfortable with, use that feedback channel to set direction of your learning path. Don't learn something just because it is hot in the market or buzzword, and instead align your interest. (It's phenomenal to see how many people are learning AI because it being a buzzword though these same people hate maths to this day). Find right people, get feedback, align your interest to finding new skills to learn. Money always follow people who are passionate about what they do. Asking help is okay but asking right people is also important.

Sometimes, it's good to expand your skill set ( something apart from your core skills) and pick up areas that are on the rise and most importantly, that interests you. This helps you become well rounded and aware of the latest developments in other sectors as well. For eg. in Indian context, the Public Policy space is really picking up pace and there is increasing awareness about the socio-economic loopholes and areas of development in the country. So I have consciously taken up fellowships and minor projects (in public policy) to sharpen my problem solving skills. Working on a different domain also helps with diversifying your network. Also content creation is on the rise, so I picked up basic Canva skills for graphic designing basics.

Once you start on your ups killing journey, be calm and persistent in applying new skills. You don't have to know/use everything there is to learn with the new skill. Similarly, if you don't know something that you need in the new area, then take time to learn it well. As Adam Grant rightly points in his book 'hidden potential', that best way to learn and master a new skill is to start using/applying it - Get in the ring, even if it means taking that hit on a face and fall.

See this as an opportunity to grow, not a threat. Engage in continuous learning, integrating mindfulness to maintain focus and absorb new knowledge efficiently. Mindfulness fosters resilience, enabling you to navigate technological advancements with ease and adaptability. Remember, while technology evolves, the core human skills of creativity, empathy, and critical thinking, enhanced by mindfulness, remain timeless. Combine these with new competencies to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. Welcome change as a path to personal and professional evolution.

It's a good idea to reassess your learning goal every few months/weeks to see if you need to pivot. There is no shame in pivoting on learning paths. On the same token though, don't leave the path until you have concrete proof and data that this is not your cup of tea or you don't need it. Remaining realistic is key to perseverance and success.