Your brain needs exercise just like a muscle. If you use it often and in the right ways, you will become a more skilled thinker and increase your ability to focus. The challenge is having the will to adhere to them. If you succeed in following thesetips, you’ll be rewarded with increased mental acuity and retention of knowledge.

Be strategic about the skills you want to develop and take time to create an educational calendar for the upcoming year. Look internally and research online courses externally, too. Check out industry conferences and professional organizations to attend—dates, locations and costs, then ask for approvals. In addition, identify organizations where you’d like to speak and make your mark as a thought leader or industry expert.

Although it takes time and money up front to complete your courses and obtain a degree, you will see an excellent return on investment that will continue to give back throughout your entire career.

The first thing you need to realize is that online courses are not an easier way to learn, but rather a more convenient one. To successfully learn online, you need to dedicate a significant amount of your time, consistently attend the program, be concentrated while studying, and fully commit to your learning process, just as you would do for a regular course. You should also have in mind that when you take an online course, you may be expected to:

Many people like to read popular suspense fiction, but generally these books aren’t mentally stimulating. If you want to improve your thinking and writing ability you should read books that make you focus. Reading a classic novel can change your view of the world and will make you think in more precise, elegant English. Don’t be afraid to look up a word if you don’t know it, and don’t be afraid of dense passages. Take your time, re-read when necessary, and you’ll soon grow accustomed to the author’s style.

Develop your expertise by writing about your field. You may want to contribute to your company’s blog or publish your own book. You’ll discover new facts and insights as you research your topic and organize your thoughts.