Invest in yourself

From face masks and chocolate to a nice walk alone with your thoughts, taking time for self-care is a biggie. Similarly, whether you’re a business owner, recently self-employed or happily working for someone, investing in yourself is the career version of self-care.  Sometimes getting out of that rut of feeling like you’re stuck or that things aren’t going your way can be tricky.  

Here are 4 ways that can help you get over that hurdle – make a cup of tea, take a seat and have a read.  

Disclaimer: although we feel this is the career equivalent to doing a face mask and eating chocolate, actually doing these things as you read is also recommended. It’s all about balance!

Set goals

It can be easy to get ahead of yourself, set huge goals and then give up.  While it’s great to dream big, putting pressure on yourself can make things seem overwhelming and unrealistic.  Instead of setting your goal as ‘get loads more customers as quickly as possible’, split this into; ‘connect with 10 more people on social media’, ‘turn 3 of these into customers’, ‘turn 1 into a loyal customer’.  By setting more attainable goals, they are more manageable to work towards.  Investing energy into setting the right goals for you is essential.

Be Knowledgable

Oscar Wilde once said, “You can never be overdressed or overeducated”.  And while turning up for work in a sequins number and 6-inch heels may be a tad much (but hey, each to their own!), the latter is definitely true.  Knowing everything about your industry, the background, your competitors can only be a positive thing for your career.  Read articles, listen to podcasts, speak to people… learn everything you can.  Investing that time into learning it all will pay off.

Go easy on yourself

Rome wasn’t built in a day!  The path to success isn’t a straight road, you are bound to face setbacks – definitely minor and possibly major.  But mistakes are made in order for you to learn from and ensuring you have a positive attitude will determine the outcome.  Situations are 10% what’s happened and 90% how you deal with it. Although we tend to be our worst critics, try not to be too hard on yourself… you’re doing brilliantly!

Network  

Networking is so important in pretty much any industry.  Being around like-minded people can motivate you and introduce you to new ways of thinking, as well as opening so many doors for you. Supporting others and their businesses, as well as them supporting you, builds a great network of trust and is something we all need. Invest your time in getting to know the right people.  A good number of connections can work wonders for your career… and you could even make great friends in the process. 

 

Furthering yourself professionally can require serious investment.  From money to assets to time, ensure the one investment you do prioritise, is in yourself.  It’s one you won’t regret.

 

Looking for some self-care for your mind and mental health? Check out our Mindfulness & Wellness Toolkit.