It's an investment

The one investment you'll never regret

If you’re like me, this is an especially busy time.

Between end-of-year activities, high school and college graduations, and other special ceremonies, my calendar has been (and will continue to be) jam-packed for the foreseeable future.

Because of these aforementioned events, I’ve had to rearrange my client calls and double my own content output, pre- and post-event, to allow me to hop on flights and be fully present.

And as hectic as it’s been, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

I know that I’m spending my time on what matters most to me: my relationships.

I choose to invest my time there because the payoff is priceless.

You’ve probably heard that what you focus on expands, for better or worse.

So it’s essential to be aware and intentional with how you invest your time, energy, attention, and money:

• With that person who constantly complains or the go-getter who helps you level up?

• Bingeing Netflix or reading for an hour?

• On pandemic-fueled online purchases or coaching to help you master your craft?

Ask yourself if your investments are producing your desired results or regrets.

The one place you’ll never regret investing? In yourself.

Here are five easy ways to do it:

1. Get clarity and alignment on your goals

When you’re clear on what you want, you can choose how to spend your time and where and with whom to invest your attention to move closer to your goals.

2. Dedicate time to reading

Reading is one of the quickest ways to acquire and assimilate new information and grants you access to insights outside your area of expertise, which can fuel creativity and innovation.

3. Learn to say no

Since time is a limited and non-renewable resource, invest yours wisely by prioritizing and focusing your attention on what matters most and setting boundaries to protect it. 

4. Say yes to growth opportunities.

Saying yes isn’t always bad. It invites collaboration, empowers and affirms others, and, more importantly, can help you grow by pursuing opportunities outside your comfort zone.

5. Prioritize your wellbeing

You can’t pour from an empty cup. So instead, focus on nourishing your body, mind, and spirit with proper nutrition and movement, rest, reflection, time in nature, and by visiting with friends and loved ones. And employ self-compassion, treating yourself the way you would a treasured friend by swapping self-criticism for supportive self-talk. 

---

Another way to invest in yourself?

Getting out of a career rut.

Though it seems obvious, many people don’t realize they’re stuck, career-wise.

A few red flags:

• You’re not motivated the way you once were

• You’re frustrated because you don’t have an answer or resource that might help you progress

• You’re spinning your wheels and lack a clear direction

• You suspect something’s amiss, but you’re scared of what’s next, so you brush it off or procrastinate on taking action

If any of these ring true, you’re probably in a career rut.

And in my latest Forbes article, I share seven ways to take action and break free.

Shine on,

Amy

P.S. You’ve let me into your inbox (I feel so honored!), so why not follow my musings across the interwebs too? Check me out on Forbes, LinkedIn (be sure to hit the 🔔 in the top right corner of my profile to get notified when I post!), Twitter, and Instagram.

P.P.S If you really want to get meta, subscribe to my new weekly LinkedIn newsletter, m o m e n t u m, featuring insights to help you maintain positive motion and continually grow your career. As a bonus, it links to ALL of my content for the week, so you’ll never miss a thing and keep the momentum going! (See what I did there? 😉)

P.P.P.S. When I’m not writing this newsletter or investing in myself, I’m a social media ghostwriter. (Yep, that’s a thing). I help founders, entrepreneurs, and CXOs craft their stories to communicate and connect better by magnifying their reach and impact. (Think personal branding and thought leadership.) Learn more here.

P.P.P.P.S. You have great taste in newsletters, my friend—thanks for subscribing! You are subscribed, right? If not, let’s fix that; click the blue button.

While you’re at it, be sure to check out the archives to catch up on previous issues, and feel free to share this one with your friends using the button below. Or better yet, invite them to join our Illuminate Me tribe!