This week I did something I’ve never done before. I took a risk and made a sizeable investment in myself and my business. I invested in a 3 month personal development and coach training program. I’ve been contemplating this investment for months. Although I had a strong desire to join the program, I was afraid of what it could mean for me personally as well as my business. Yes, the price tag made me GULP, but what I discovered was it wasn’t really about the money. It was about fear of failure. Crazy as it sounds, my fears revolved around what I would discover about myself and how I show up in my business.
Back in May, I shared a blog post on the Fear of Failure. This is a very real emotion for most individuals. For some, it’s the fear of success. These fears can lead to inaction and the inability to achieve goals. The key to overcoming fear is to recognize that it exists. For many of us, these underlying fears are buried under a mountain of unhealthy behavior. These behaviors are symptoms to a pre-existing fear. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, pastor, coach, or therapist can help uncover the underlying issue.
Let me ask you, have you made an investment in yourself? By definition, investing in yourself means doing anything that contributes to your long-term well-being. This takes commitment and courage. It doesn’t necessarily mean investing thousands of dollars or focusing on material things. It’s about investing in your overall health and wellness, both mentally and physically. What inspires you? What brings you joy? What skills or knowledge could help you achieve your goals and dreams. How can you become your best self and show up in the world as the unique, amazing individual that you are? By investing in yourself, you can be a better human, a better parent, a better sibling, a better spouse, a better friend, a better co-worker, business executive, or entrepreneur. You can better serve others and your community. This is not selfish. It’s necessary. If you don’t take the time to invest in you, you can’t be there for anyone else.
Investment in yourself may feel foreign. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1) Read self-improvement books. We can always learn and grow. What’s something that is challenging for you? Read about it!
2) Take a course at a local college or community center. Learn a new skill or improve on an existing one.
3) Get into the arts…tour a museum, take a painting or sculpting class, go to the symphony or local theater.
4) Focus on your health and wellness. If this is a challenge, hire a coach, get an accountability partner, join a gym, or take a fitness class. Health and wellness isn’t just about what you eat and how active you are. It’s also about what you feed your mind and who you surround yourself with.
5) Get your ZZZ’s. A good night’s rest helps repair your body, brings mental clarity, helps maintain a healthy immune system, and improves mindset, which helps you make better choices.
6) Schedule time to relax. Do something just for you…take a bubble bath, go for a walk, get a mani/pedi, listen to your favorite music, meditate, pray/devotions.
7) Set healthy boundaries. Learn to say no. Being over-scheduled is not only stressful, but can prevent you from taking time for yourself. If this is a struggle, check out Dr. Henry Cloud’s book, “Boundaries”.
