Why Investing in Yourself Always Pays Off

This week, we discuss living in times of uncertainty when the job market is at its lowest. It is time to investing in yourself more than ever.

By Anna Roberts and Chloe Ragg, Co-Founders of Achievher

2020 has left all of us a little uncertain about the future and in particular what work will look like. While there’s talk of rebranding yourself or sprucing up your personal brand if you already have one, there’s not a lot being said for investing in yourself.

I’m not talking about getting a new suit or an Ivy League degree but doing the work that will make you more successful, more content and financially better off in the long run.

The bottom line is that when you choose yourself, people notice that.

It means you stop prioritizing the voices from your family, your society or your friends and choosing actions that bring you closer to being your best self.

Getting to that point can take time, especially when you’re under pressure to find a new job, are quite possibly moving country or are adjusting to a salary change.

Questions about diverting attention to what you “should be focusing on” to yourself can seem selfish.

Make you question if it will be worth it? Even have you asking yourself if you are worth it?

But investing in yourself is never a risk because it always pays off.

Fast tracking your next career move, a pay increase or setting yourself up with skills that align with the future of work doesn’t have to break the bank. Small daily habits when added mindfully can make a big difference.

Here’s 4 ways to start investing in yourself:

• Reading: Just like any other muscle in the body, the brain requires exercise to keep it strong and healthy. The more knowledge you have, the better-equipped you are to take on any challenge. Knowledge really is power so if you lose your job, your possessions, your money, even your health—knowledge can never be taken from you.

• Movement: Physical fitness is the ultimate investment opportunity and health really is something that money can’t buy. If you are willing to make the commitment (investment), you will feel and look healthier, have an abundance of energy, be more self-confident, more productive and discover a more joyous and fulfilling life.

• Relaxation: With reports of mental health issues on the rise, particularly anxiety and depression, it can be difficult to manage dealing with the ups and downs of 2020 without additional obstacles. Anxiety can make it difficult to concentrate, and depression can cause a lack of energy and motivation. Meditation can help reduce stress and be a tool for coping with depression and anxiety. Setting aside time to meditate is a solid investment in your mental health, and learning how to meditate is easy and accessible with help from a meditation app. Just like working out in the gym, your mental health needs time dedicated to building resilience and techniques that work for you.

• Goals: Many hesitate in pursuing our dreams and passions because of fear. Fear of change, fear of the unknown, fear of rejection, fear of failure. What we forget to remind ourselves is that when we step out of our comfort zones and take a chance, we almost always feel proud and accomplished, even if those dreams or pursuits didn’t turn out exactly the way we envisioned. If you start investing in yourself now, you’ll discover what goals you want to begin working toward today.

A final essential component is the investment in relationships and those that build you up.

Your friends, your colleagues and your clients are all investments in their lives and your life. Don’t underestimate the power of choosing who you spend your time with and how their energy can lift or drain you.

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