Time Flies by Neal Fowler
Earlier this year I had two things on my desk.
The first was a client proposal I was writing and the other was a class I was considering taking.
I knew the class would be good for me. It would fill in some of the gaps in my business training and connect me with other people who would be great for networking.
But I felt that it was way out of my budget.
On the other side of the coin, I was asking for 10 times what I would have paid for the class in the proposal I was writing.
When I looked at those two things side by side I realized how silly it was for me to expect anyone to invest in me when I wasn’t willing to invest in myself.
I signed up for the class immediately and used my creative problem solving skills to find the money for the class.
Just by taking that step, I made a declaration of my value.
“Even if I learn nothing in the class,” I told myself, “at least I’ll know what I’m worth.”
That was a turning point.
Since making that declaration, I’ve raised my fees and noticed a difference in the level of commitment from my clients.
When I speak of investing in yourself, I’m not just talking about money, but other resources like time and energy.
If I looked at you now, would I know the outcome you’re dedicated toward? Would it be obvious based on where you’re spending your resources?
How are you investing in yourself?
How would you like to?
{ 3 comments }
I am currently reading The Speed of Trust for our leadership group at work and what you wrote about investing in yourself is one of the main points he makes too. Once you invest in yourself you are building trust
Excellent point Tara, “realized how silly it was for me to expect anyone to invest in me when I wasn’t willing to invest in myself.”- Resonating with me! Your new site looks great!
Hi Tara
Found you via the power of Twitter (and thank you for adding me to your list. Very kind) Your experience is so very much in keeping with what I have gone through. I had the opportunity last month to sign up for some training that was totally out of my budget but, thanks to a series of God-incidences (I stopped believing in co-incidences a long, long time ago!) I found myself being offered a 30 day grace period on the fees to allow me time to get finances in order. I totally jumped at the opportunity, invested in myself and my clients and I can honestly say, before I’ve even finished the training, it was totally one of the best decisions in a long time.
I can’t tell you how encouraging it was to hop over here to find someone with a similar expereince to share so thank you.