Personal Development
Welcome to our Personal Development page, your ultimate resource for transformative and inspiring content! Offered each month, our dynamic series dives into a variety of topics designed to elevate the personal growth of Extension staff. From boosting physical and mental wellness to advancing career development and lifelong learning, we provide something for everyone. Packed with actionable insights and motivational guidance, these sessions are designed to spark change, inspire growth, and help you reach your full potential. Explore our page and unlock new opportunities for self-improvement and success!
Personal Development Series
Join us on the second Tuesday of each month for educational and inspirational speaker sessions designed to explore, enhance, and elevate Extension staff in all areas of personal development. From taking care of our physical and mental wellness to gaining education to enhance our careers, we offer something for everyone!
December 16, 2025 | 10 to 11 AM
Take a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate your growth! Join us for a casual, virtual gathering where staff can come together to share their personal and professional development over the past year. Whether it’s insights from our Personal Development Series or your own journey of growth, this is a safe and supportive space to: • Reflect on your accomplishments and lessons learned in 2025 • Share strategies, tools, or experiences that have been most helpful • Set intentions and goals for personal growth in 2026 • Connect with colleagues across the state in a relaxed, conversational environment Bring your reflections, curiosity, and stories - no formal presentation required. Let’s inspire each other, celebrate progress, and step into the new year with intention!
Our monthly personal development sessions have provided space to reflect, recharge, and learn together. These interactive one-hour sessions were created to support your well-being, growth, and success across all Extension roles, program areas, and teams. They brought staff together to explore topics that sparked reflection, connection, and learning - from wellness and mindset to leadership and communication. Now, we’re looking to expand these monthly opportunities with more flexible, engaging options for personal growth throughout the year - and we want your voice to guide what comes next.
We’d love to hear from you! What topics, formats, or speakers would make these sessions most meaningful to your work and personal development? Your feedback will help shape the next year of programming and ensure these sessions reflect the needs and interests of our Extension community.
Join Cook County Extension Educator Michele Crawford for Meditation Mornings. This free virtual series is open to staff and community members and consists of fifteen-minute guided meditation sessions held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from October 20 to December 19, 2025. Learn tools and techniques to support your overall well-being. All are welcome; no prior meditation experience is necessary!
As the season gets busier and colder, it’s easy for healthy habits to slip. The Health Insights Illinois' latest blog, Deck the Halls with Healthy Habits, shares simple, fun ways to stay active and make movement a meaningful part of your holiday traditions. Give it a read and get inspired to start a new, energizing tradition this year!
Benefits Beyond the Job
Discover perks that support your personal growth—like Rosetta Stone access, wellness resources, and more to help you thrive beyond the workplace.
Learn a New Language with Rosetta Stone
Staff have free access to Rosetta Stone Foundations through the University Library. With 30 languages and advanced levels available, it's a great resource for personal or professional growth. Log in using your NetID via the Library's Rosetta Stone link. Need help getting started? Contact the Literatures and Languages Library for support.
Exercise Economically
The “Exercise Economically” resource shares practical, low-cost ways for Extension employees to stay active and improve overall wellness. It provides tips and strategies for incorporating affordable fitness into daily routines, supporting both physical health and financial well-being.
Illinois Financial Wellness Hub
The Illinois Financial Wellness Hub is a free resource that helps Extension employees strengthen their personal finances. It offers personalized tools, courses, and webinars on budgeting, saving, retirement planning, and more - empowering staff to build financial confidence and security.
Relaxation "Micro-Moments" and Winding Down Techniques
This session explores practical ways to manage stress during the workday. Participants learn how short, mindful “micro-moments” can interrupt rising stress levels, reduce exhaustion, and promote calm. The webinar also covers the neurology of stress and simple end-of-day routines for better relaxation and recovery.
Personal Development Workshop Archives
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