The Big ROI
Do you invest in yourself? We often invest financial resources in stocks and bonds, and invest our time in business or family issues. And we can expect both gains and losses from these investments. The market may move against us, or we find that we have wasted time in unsuccessful projects.
In the back of our minds, we know that investing in ourselves is the one commitment which has a long-term, permanent return on investment. Whatever we learn becomes part of our arsenal, to draw upon whenever it is needed. So why do we regularly avoid this?
In the crush of work and family commitments, it’s easy to relegate personal development to a “someday isle” and the indefinite future. And the reality of the indefinite future is that tomorrow never comes.
Small Steps for Big Results
Yet taking just a few minutes to set a course and making a commitment, however small, can set you in a direction toward amazing growth. Consider the following activities during your morning commute, or over lunch, or while taking the dog for a walk.
- First, do a quick assessment. What are your strong suits? What is holding you back? For example, are you struggling with time management? Or is your grasp of financial statements a bit rusty? Does the thought of selling make you queasy, or are your leadership skills marginal? What is your soft spot?
- Pick one area and take one tiny step forward. Even if you only read one small article or listen to a three-minute video, anything is better than nothing.
- Congratulate yourself! You are on the right track.
- Now make a larger commitment. Plan on a weekly action, and follow through.
- Keep moving. Are you making progress or are you stuck? Consider other resources or approaches. Share ideas with colleagues and search out other opportunities.
Remember, regardless of the speed or extent of your progress, every step you take is a permanent investment in yourself. The greatest journey begins with a single step. Take the few minutes, take the first step. Take the time to invest in yourself, and reap the return on your investment throughout your career.