Why The Best Thing You Can Do This Year Is To Invest In Yourself

As January soon meets in the middle, and we slip back into our routines - old and new, we've now embraced the promises of 2024 and the ambitious intentions that we've set for ourselves. The New Year, New Me buzz has died down, but you are focused on making small, significant changes.

Regardless of what goals and plans you have for this year, there's a universal truth that rings true for each of us: the most impactful investment we can make is in ourselves.

Whether you're navigating the complexities of balancing a 9-5 job with entrepreneurial ambitions, managing family responsibilities, or working on boosting your self-confidence, this year is about acknowledging and embracing the power of self-investment. It's about understanding that nurturing our growth, skills, health, and networks isn't just beneficial – it's essential for our personal fulfilment and professional success.

Over the past year, I've neglected some of this myself. While my business helps others build a profitable business and lifestyle by design, this week's newsletter is a reminder to myself, too! I am writing this from bed, a day later than planned, because I've been full of a horrible chesty cold and cough the past week. The teenage boy is in bed with 'mini-man flu', and I still have deadlines to meet. This sickness has actually come at the right time because it's a firm and timely reminder of my goal to prioritise my health this year.

Here are some simple and effective ways to start investing yourself this year.

1. Build Your Knowledge in Bite-Sized Chunks:

Your time is precious, so start with what you are and what you have. Opt for short online courses to learn a specific skill or listen to industry podcasts during your commute. Some of you prefer in-person workshops - you can find my next one here.

These small steps can increase your expertise without overwhelming your schedule. Learning fits into even the busiest schedules. Consistency in small doses leads to significant changes.

• Action: Subscribe to relevant podcasts or books on audible and listen during your commute or on the school run. My podcast relaunches in a few weeks, and I have intentionally kept my episodes shortly.

2. Integrate Self-Care into Daily Life:

Self-care should be easy. A 10-minute meditation in the morning or a quick evening walk can do wonders. Remember, taking care of yourself is taking care of your business; I plan to start with some morning gym classes after getting home after the school run. A round-trip walk to the gym is about 6,000 steps, but I will have to start next week when I feel much better.

Self-care can be simple yet effective.

Regular, small acts of self-care prevent burnout.

• Action: Incorporate a 10-minute mindfulness practice into your daily routine, switch your phone to 'do not disturb', and set quiet mode settings on your socials like Instagram at 8 or 9 pm.

3. Build Your Network Strategically:

Networking can happen anywhere – at your child's school event, in local community groups, or on LinkedIn during lunch breaks. Focus on making genuine connections rather than the number of contacts.

Opportunities to network are all around you. Authentic relationships will always be more powerful than extensive networks.

Action: Initiate conversations at community events or online, such as LinkedIn.

4. Seek Growth with Flexible Programs:

If confidence is an area you want to build or you're looking for support to grow your business, seek coaching or mentorship programs with flexible schedules. Many offer evening, lunchtime or weekend sessions to accommodate busy lifestyles. See if my membership, ELEVATE, is the right fit for you. Doors close at midnight tonight.

Personal growth programs can adapt to your life. Building confidence can be planned and structured.

Action: Find a mentorship program that offers flexible scheduling. Whether in the form of a membership or on a one-to-one basis.

5. Embrace Experiences That Fit Your Life:

Travel or new hobbies needn't be grandiose. Explore local attractions, book a day trip to a new city or try out an evening workshop for hobbies like pottery or wine tasting. New experiences come in all sizes and shapes. Creativity is nurtured through varied experiences.

Action: Plan a local day trip or book a creative workshop.

Your Personal Commitment:

• Fill in the Blank: To invest in myself this year, I am committing to __________.

Let me know in the comments!

Remember, your entrepreneurial journey is unique and filled with its own set of challenges and achievements. Investing in yourself is not just about time and money; it's about making smarter choices that fit your life.

We want 2024 to be a year where we grow, not just in our businesses but in every aspect of our lives.

***Ready for 90 days of mentorship, group coaching, community and accountability?***

ELEVATE is the right fit for you. Doors close at midnight tonight.