Self-Investment: is this the key to success?

 

It feels like the last 18 months have shaken, stirred and uprooted us, only to spit out some unknown version of ourselves. For the most part, we’ve had to re-think or revise our approaches and practices, leaving some of us in survival mode.

“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his [or her] future by merely changing his [or her] attitude” -Oprah Winfrey

We may not have control over our circumstances but we can control how we play the cards we’ve been dealt. Shake off the ‘I just need to survive’ mentality and adopt the ‘This won’t beat me!’ attitude. Now is the time to either focus or re-focus on your goals; it’s an opportunity to conduct an internal analysis and regroup with a renewed approach.

 

Self-Investment- Let’s dig in…

Self-investment involves examining your current position or situation and choosing to take the necessary steps to make improvements; whether it be professional, academic, financial or even spiritual.

There’s nothing wrong with being satisfied and happy with where you currently are. There also nothing wrong with wanting more and working towards it.

Begin by asking this question and be honest yourself.
Is there anything that I would like to achieve?

If no, that’s okay. Remember, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being satisfied and happy with where you currently are.
But do know this, making an investment in self doesn’t always require substantial changes, it may be as simple as choosing to use an hour in each day to do an activity that you genuinely enjoy.

If yes, continue with these questions.
What will I need to do or change to achieve it?
How can I begin and continue to take the action needed?

Positive Affirmation: “I have what it takes!”

 

Let’s say that improving your financial position is your focus

Rome wasn’t built in a day and unless you win the lottery, neither will your financial position, it takes time. $2 a day for 365 days gives you $730 more than you would have if you did not put money aside. $5 a day for 365 days gives you $1,825 more than you would have, had you not put money aside. $7 a day for 365 days… you get the picture! You have to start somewhere, no matter how small the contribution.

Can you afford to do more? Apply an 80/20 rule concept. If you are in a position to do so, put 20% of your salary towards a savings plan or investment. If not 20%, you can begin with 10% even 5%. The idea is to begin, build and grow.

Take a bigger step, talk to a professional- an investment banker, financial expert or advisor; this can happen after you’ve saved enough money or if you already have the funds set aside. Discuss ways to build or even start your investment portfolio. A few areas and concepts to understand or talk to your Advisor about are; what are your investment opportunities, whether local or abroad; your risk tolerance; taxes your investment may incur; investment reports and of course, expected returns on your investment.

Take some time to assess your financial goals and create a clear strategy to achieve them.

 

Or how about self-investment, professionally?

If you are new into the work force or trying to step through that door, ensure that your qualifications remain current and competitive.

First things first, do your research. Learn and understand what skills are needed for your industry. Read, read and keep reading. “Read 500 pages every week. That’s how knowledge works. It builds up like compound interest.” Warren Buffet.

Knowledge is a foundation that no-one can uproot.

If you’ve been in your industry for a number of years, dedicate some time to improve on a skill set; even at the top of the game, there’s always room for improvement.

‘Pivoting’ has been the buzz word for the past year. Companies big or small have had to adapt to what’s considered as a Covid environment. This also holds true on an individual level. Some of us were pushed, guided or forced to re-think or revise our approaches and practices, including our professional direction.

Explore any opportunities available, whether considering a change in career or applying for another position in your company. Go for it!

Positive Affirmation: “I can do this!”

 

Another approach to adopt is to find an industry benchmark.

Across industries, the concept is the same, a point of reference that serves as a base of comparison. Whether a company or an individual, this entity is considered the best in the industry, someone at the top of the game (not just their game).
This approach is not only relevant as an employee, this also applies to those of us with that entrepreneurial spirit. Learn and understand what is required for your area of work and go for it... and keep building on it!

 

Maybe it’s time to get personal

Self-reflection, your starting point. Why do you do the things you do; think the things you do; feel the way you do. Juggling our lives and responsibilities isn’t easy and can sometimes take a toll on us.
You will discover through a quick web search that self-reflection involves a deep assessment of your thoughts, actions, achievements and self. And there are various ways to get this done.

Take a moment, in a quiet place (the bathroom can be an option, we understand… life can get crazy), and write. Write everything that you like about yourself, everything you don’t, your achievements, your failures, possible opportunities and possible obstacles; essentially you’re conducting an internal assessment of your strengths and weakness, doubts and fears.  Be honest with yourself.

This may seem mundane and unnecessary but understanding where you are can help you visualise where you want to be. This stage is only a chapter in your life’s journey, turn the page and keep writing. There’s always room to grow.

Take 5 minutes each day to simply breathe; deeply inhale then slowly exhale and repeat. Taking a moment to gather and sort your thoughts and emotions may be the difference between a step forward or one pushing you back.

Our mental and emotional well-being are just as important as the physical. Take small steps to improve them all.

Positive Affirmation: I have everything that I need to succeed, in me!

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