by Cara Lumen
Wherever you are in your life there is a next step coming. It could be about personal growth, it could be business development, it could be about relationships, but you are always changing and there is always something you need to learn. To keep yourself moving along, you need to continually invest in yourself.
Invest in yourself through awareness
The first step in investing in the outcome of your future is to know what you want. That means being observant about what you love to do, what you don’t so much like to do, what’s working, what’s not, and that long look inside to determine that you are following your passion. Then you make your choices.
Invest in yourself by learning
I love to learn. Whether it’s through a book, a course, a conversation, or exploration, learning something new keeps me interested and interesting. What are you doing to continue your learning?
Sometimes even while reading a novel I find a phrase that sparks a blog post. In reading the blog posts of others I get ideas for my own next steps. A conversation with an interesting entrepreneur gives me inspiration. And sometimes I simply say “I want to learn more about that” and go do it.
Invest in yourself through play
When we take time to tune into our own rhythm, we heal, we balance, we restore ourselves. And we have to slow down in order to find that rhythm. If your days are so full of have-to’s and should’s, you’ll never hear your body say, “let’s take a nap.” If you are too busy you won’t hear the call of your children, or significant other and take time to receive the special gifts only they can give. And if you don’t slow down you won’t take time to make new friends that will nourish and encourage you. Take time to play, to honor your own needs and rhythm.
Invest in yourself self care
I have a friend who does not take care of herself. She doesn’t cook for herself. She doesn’t keep her home very tidy. It’s as if she’s saying, “I don’t count.” If you don’t take care of yourself, who will? If you don’t love and honor yourself, who will? Invest in your self – in your care, your nourishment, your development, your insights, your pleasure, and your spiritual growth.
Get the help you need
Whether you need coaching, or a course, or a coach, or a friend, get the help you need to increase your personal awareness, increase your learning, deepen your relationships, care for yourself and follow your passion. Whether that helps is from the inner or outer makes no difference, just ask for help and it will be there.
© 2010 Cara Lumen
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- 2010 – The Year of the Entrepreneur
- Are you as coachable as you think you are?
- How to Learn More When You’re Full Up
- Mellowing Into Our Creative Genius
- It’s Not Like It Used To So How Do I Need To Change
