UXL Blog

Limited Time Offer: My online leadership course is on sale for $98. Enjoy the “Invest in YOU” discount.

If you’re like many people I know, the holiday season is a time when you put your personal needs aside to focus on others. That might mean hosting holiday gatherings, working hard to wrap up year-end projects, or buying presents for family members, friends, and colleagues. In between all the hustle and bustle, it can be difficult to pause and think about the road ahead for YOU—your personal or professional future.

I encourage you to take a few moments this month to turn your attention inward. Doing so is not selfish or indulgent. Rather, it is an essential part of self-care, career advancement, and staying at the top of your game. Not only that, when you invest in yourself, you become better equipped to support those around you.

When you choose to invest in yourself, you reap many benefits including the following:

Gaining Clarity

When you choose to invest in yourself, you gain clarity on your goals, values, and the direction you want to take in life. This self-reflection can help you make more informed decisions about your career, relationships, and overall well-being. On the flip side, if you continue forging ahead without pause, you may lose sight of what truly matters. Taking time to invest in yourself can help you regain that clarity.

Improving Skills & Knowledge

We all have a “needs improvement” area. If you already know your shortcomings, consider enrolling in a course, a class, or a training program to fill that knowledge gap or sharpen your skills. Consider talking this over with a supervisor, since your workplace may pay for your continued education. If your focus is on leadership, building confidence, or advancing your career, check out my online 10-Minute Leadership Challenge course.

Boosting Confidence

Investing in yourself, whether through education, skill development, or self-care, can significantly boost your confidence. As you grow and improve, you’ll feel more capable and empowered to tackle new challenges. When I work with teams or lead workshops, one of the most common areas of improvement for attendees is courage. Many of us struggle with taking brave actions in the workplace and need a little help to gain the necessary confidence to act or step outside our comfort zones to become stronger leaders.

Expanding Career Opportunities

When you choose to invest in yourself, that means you are also investing in your future. By developing new skills, knowledge, and confidence, you open yourself up to expanded career opportunities. Employers often seek out candidates who demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement. Taking the time to further your education and skills makes you more valuable and marketable—positioning you for promotions, new roles, or even a career change.

Broadening Your Perspective

One important potential side effect of investing in yourself is the expansion of your perspective. When you dedicate time and energy to learning, growing, and reflecting, you naturally start to see the world through a new lens. This broadened outlook can lead to increased creativity, empathy, and innovative thinking. By investing in yourself, you become better equipped to navigate complex challenges, collaborate effectively with others, and contribute more meaningfully to your personal and professional spheres. Ultimately, broadening your point of view can enrich every aspect of your life.

Taking time for self-reflection and continued education can provide invaluable benefits that positively impact every area of your life. Don’t let the busyness of the holidays prevent you from making your own needs a priority. It is essential to dedicate some time and resources (if only a little!) to your personal and professional growth. Help yourself so you can help others.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

Tags: invest in personal development, invest in professional development, invest in you, margaret smith career coach, online leadership course, reasons to invest in you, teachable leadership course