Invest In Yourself!
Unless you're reading this from an underground bunker somewhere, you probably know that our world is changing fast. The old ideas about office jobs are disappearing, and the old rules about how to succeed in life no longer apply. To succeed in this new environment, we need to focus on investing in ourselves so that we can reap the rewards later. After all, if you don't take care of your own needs first, how can you possibly help others?
Network + Stay Involved
You never know when the perfect opportunity will pop up that could change your life. To ensure you're open to all possibilities, you must stay connected to people! Make sure that you're part of local business communities and organizations. I am a member of The Gathering Spot here in Atlanta because of its frequent networking events, but you could find a similar alternative near your working location. Remember that we are all also part of a global community, so make sure you're networking online! Some of my favorite business-oriented apps include Fishbowl, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor.
Learn New Skills
The world is full of skills that can help you make money, find fulfillment and connect with others. Look around you, and you'll see that almost everyone has a skill they can teach. It doesn't matter if you're young or old, or if you have a university degree or not. The most important thing is that you have a skill that you love to do. For example, if you like helping people, consider becoming a coach of some sort. If you're an artist, selling your work online can be a great way to earn additional income. If you're good at organizing events, consider a career in event planning. The possibilities are ENDLESS. Oh, and don't forget that technology has made it easier than ever to learn new skills. With online courses and websites like LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare, and Udemy, anyone can choose to lock in and grow!
Set (And Achieve) Goals
If you don't know where you're going, you'll never get there. This statement is especially true when it comes to investing in yourself. If you don't set goals, you have no guidance on where to direct your energy or effort. What do you want to achieve in life? Are you going to start your own business? How about earning a degree or certification? Are you going to help others through charity? You need to set goals in order to identify a clear path to follow. While you're at it, don't forget to keep track of your progress! This is the only way to ensure you're meeting your goals.
Take Care Of Your Body + Mental Health
Your body is your temple! How can you expect to thrive if you don't take care of it? Eating a balanced diet, getting enough exercise, practicing proper sleeping patterns, and avoiding stress should be considered necessities. Without a healthy body, how can you function properly? You won't have the energy or focus to pursue your dreams and help others.
For those of us who "take everything to the chin" without leaving room to decompress our minds, please don't forget about your mental health. This month, I lost two family members back-to-back. I naively thought I would be able to continue with work and leisure as if dealing with so much grief at once wasn't impairing, but the stress of it all caught up to me while attending the second funeral. Suddenly, I felt overly emotional, scatterbrained, and unfocused, unlike my usual self. Luckily I had cleared my schedule for the next day to tend to these emotions. This turned out to be EXTREMELY helpful as I had intentionally designated time just to sit down and cope with everything. If you aren't as strong-minded on your own, make sure that you're getting professional help if you need it! Therapy and medications were designed to help you thrive in life, so don't be ashamed or embarrassed to take advantage.
The world is changing faster than ever before, friends. In this new environment, we should all be actively investing in ourselves so that we can thrive. Now is the time to put yourself first and focus on the things that will benefit you in the long run. And don't forget: YOU are your own best investment!
