For most folks, getting through the workday is all about checking items off to-do lists. Moments where reflecting on personal and professional development seem few and far between, and acquiring new skills and competencies seems like a pipe dream. However, Google is looking to change that. The tech giant’s 20 percent rule ensures employees are taking the time to reflect on their careers and spend time on creative projects to help them progress in their careers. “We encourage our employees, in addition to their regular projects, to spend 20 percent of their time working on what they think will most benefit Google,” founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page wrote in their IPO letter. “This empowers them to be more creative and innovative. Many of our significant advances \[like AdSense and Google News\] have happened in this manner.” This works by encouraging employees to identify what they want to learn and view every project as a potential learning opportunity. It’s also important to understand that taking the time to better yourself isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. Flexibility and long-term goal setting are key.