Happy New Year, everyone!
If you are like most people, you have undoubtedly made—and broken—a New Year’s resolution during your lifetime. However, if you are thinking about becoming a certified professional in learning and performance (CPLP), be sure to keep it off your resolution list. Why, you ask? It’s not because resolutions are made to be broken. On the contrary, following through on resolutions and earning CPLP certification are within your control.
The real reason to keep this career-defining credential off your list is because your path toward an improved lifestyle is a different journey from achieving a milestone in your career. And preparing to become a CPLP is a life-changing commitment. It’s really that simple.
Making the decision to become a CPLP is one that requires a temporary lifestyle change. Let’s be very clear on this point. It is a formidable commitment, and the duration and intensity of your preparation will depend on the amount of time you can set aside in your current life.
I didn’t realize how much of a commitment it really is until I took the first step and purchased the materials. I dug into the first module and did not make it through the second. For two wasted years I fooled myself into thinking I was still studying for the Knowledge Exam. I even toted Module 2 around with me! I kept saying, “Oh, work is too demanding right now; it’s busy season. It’s soccer season; I’ll study in the stands. There’s that trip coming up; I’ll study on the plane.” Oh no, my friend. I’m here to tell you that this method won’t work. You have to prioritize this obligation. You can’t just fit it in.
I finally got it right when I:
- changed jobs—this was necessary for me; it may not be for you
- defined a consistent study time and place
- decided on a registration date and made it a deadline, not a target
- actually registered on that date because my studies were on track.
I did not do any better when I:
- toted said materials around everywhere
- publically professed my plans in a Facebook post
- enviously read the list of new CPLPs in T+D magazine and told myself that if I wanted it badly enough, my name would eventually be in there.
Achieving CPLP certification is much like sticking with a New Year’s resolution. Taking steps to show my commitment didn’t work for me. Taking steps to change my daily life pattern did.
So if you recently looked longingly at page 35 of T+D magazine’s December 2014 issueand said to yourself, “One day that will be me,” stop making the resolution to get the CPLP and start making the temporary lifestyle changes to achieve it. And when your name appears in print (although you will feel as if it’s appeared in lights), you can make all the New Year’s resolutions you want. Because even if you break them all, they will never erase those glorious initials after your last name: CPLP.
Learn more about the CPLP Certification.
