I was in training yesterday for a software application we use. I didn’t really want to go because I have other work that needs to get done. And I admit, when I got there I had a pretty bad attitude about the surroundings, the quality of the training I was about to be “subjected” to and other things I felt like nitpicking because “I already know this stuff.”

The training began, and within about 15 minutes I had a “hmmm, that’s a good thing to know. I can use that” moment. A sliver of optimism crept in and before I knew it, those “ah-ha” moments kept coming.

Here’s the thing: I’ve been using this software on the job for a year. I even have it at home, but I was learning things – not necessarily that I didn’t know before – but how to apply that knowledge in a way that would not only save me vast amounts of frustration, but would also save my boss the time and money it was taking me to figure out all of this stuff on my own.

In all honesty, I don’t know many people who look forward to a day-long or multiple-day training session. It’s kind of that “I have more important things to be doing – and besides, what are they going to teach me that I don’t already know?” feeling.

On top of that, you usually travel to a strange place, which typically means mental confusion and physical discomfort. Then you’re locked into some conference room with a bunch of strangers where you breathe stale air that’s either too cold or too hot.

The idea of it is not at all appealing. But a solid training program is always worth all that hassle 100 times over.

Here’s the best part about yesterday’s training session: It wasn’t about hype. There was no motivational element to it. It was straight forward educational material. But it did motivate me because I now see ways to improve my performance and suffer less frustration.

While we may not like the thought of training, when it’s really good and thorough, it’s easily one of the best things we, as professionals, can invest in.

So from now on, I promise myself I will look at the big picture and the long-term payoff of a training session, and get over the short-term hassle of travel, discomfort and time out of the office.