I'm sure you've heard the phrase 'work smarter not harder' before. I find it fascinating how there are still so many challenges figuring out how to do this. It seems so common for people to believe that they HAVE to work hard to get anywhere.
And in that hustle, there is no time to invest in themselves because they don't always experience a tangible return on investment so they can measure how worth it is was.
For example, it isn’t as easy to measure if your meditation practice or energy healer is why your business has grown, but you CAN tell when your Facebook ads are working. So it could seem smarter to invest in ads. But I promise you, investing in yourself will have a far more valuable ROI than any ad could ever provide.
The truth of the matter is, if we don't make an investment in ourselves, we are at risk of burning out. It's like trying to run a marathon without training first- you're going to hit your limit eventually.
So what do I mean by investment?
Well, that could look different for everyone. Some people have a hard time investing money, so they will need to invest their time in things that are free, like journaling or meditation.
Others may be willing to invest time and money but only into things they feel are multi-tasking, like yoga for physical and emotional well-being.
Other people know they need some support on their journey because they want to get further faster and without needing to figure it all out on their own so they invest in a coach or mentor.
Investing in yourself and in inner work really provides the BEST ROI.
It's the best investment you will ever make in your life!
Investing in yourself comes with infinite rewards, but it feels different depending on who you are and what your strengths or challenges are, and what you would like to change about your experience.
What else stops us from doing this?
Usually, people say time or money, but I'm going to tell you something - it usually doesn't have anything to do with either.
When I have really dug down deep with my clients, we find that it is usually it is either a lack of belief the change is possible, that they can actually change or it is a lack of trust in the tool - whether that's journaling, yoga, or who they have been working with.
If you don't trust that the time you spend on yourself will be well spent and provide the results you want then it won't feel like a priority.
So the "I don't have time" excuse will feel believable because who wants to waste their time on something when you aren't sure you will get what you want in the end?
What people forget is that when they invest in themselves, uncover their deepest desires, gifts, and purpose, and give back to their body/mind/spirit, the dividends (rewards) payout over and over and over and in ways that they don't expect... Like better quality of relationships, improved health, opportunities, and synchronicities increase and things are much more fulfilling.
Sometimes the results aren't exactly measurable, they are priceless.