Happy Wednesday. For the latest Vent Sesh, wanted to delve into Investing in Ourselves. Do you do this? While this conversation is a bit more geared toward professional women, I’d love stay-at-home moms (who have a harder job than me!), students and others to weigh in as well.
When I say “investing,” this isn’t the same as indulging yourself or treating yourself. While I love taking “me” time for a mani/pedi, a little retail therapy or cozying up with a good read, I realize I don’t invest as much in me. Speaking professionally for a moment, I invest in my business (hiring the right people, etc) and the blog (buying necessary software and whatnot) yet do I invest in me, the ultimate ‘capital’ that ultimately will determine if either or both are a success? Verdict: not enough.
While I’ve been in public relations for 10+ years and have made an effort along the way to stay close to new trends, proven techniques and technologies, I started the blog without a clue. No joke. I really had no idea all this amazing-ness was out there! Interestingly enough, the blog — while I aim to keep both businesses incredibly separate at this time — has been a huge asset to my PR biz, a 30-something professional aiming to stay plugged into the latest in my industry. Yet reverse that, and while I’m mostly happy with the content I’m so behind in terms of developing a visually impressive blog up to my standards. The major components of the blog have been outsourced because I didn’t have the time to learn.
What’s a gal to do?? INVEST IN HERSELF! {Insert smile here}. Even though I purchased a DSLR camera six months ago I have been using it on auto settings. Done with that: I’m reading more and about to start playing with it big time. Plus, I want/need to kick-my graphics and collages up a bit so I just completed my first Photoshop Elements Skype sesh with Victoria of vmac + cheese (a blog fav) who started her own business called vivaleur in the past year. Best money spent.
I feel energized about the prospect of taking a step back from my life to see how I can maximize what I’m doing. Why invest the same time doing something when you can be doing it better and more efficiently? The reason most do not? The time investment up front to learn. It sucks, I know, but I’m telling you… it’s that exhilarating feeling when you found out you lost a few pounds or spotted new muscles after a month of eating healthy and hitting the gym.
Have you invested in yourself recently? What have you done, or what do you want to accomplish? Comment here to help inspire all of us.
