Episode 52: The Magic of Investing in Your Development
The Best Decision Ever
Invest in your own development for your future self. They will thank you.
Enjoy!
Listen Here:
(The notes below are only a brief summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
What does investing in your development mean? Let’s start by looking at the actual definition of the word “investing”:
the investing of money or capital in order to gain profitable returns, as interest, income, or appreciation in value.
a devoting, using, or giving of time, talent, emotional energy, etc., as for a purpose or to achieve something:
It means you have to spend some time and money on your career or your business. It means taking control of your career and being accountable for your own success.
To become extraordinary in all fields of your life, including money and wealth, you need to invest in your self-development before investing in anything else. This may include spending money, as well as time…but it is a lifelong process – and worth it.
When you invest in the stock market, your main aim is to make a profit. You want the stock you’ve invested in to grow and appreciate in value.
In the same way, self-development is the appreciation and growth in your value as a person.
Self-development can be attending a workshop to become more efficient and productive and create a work-life balance.
It can be learning new skills that make you capable of doing better.
It can be elevating your awareness and learning how to create the mindset that will help you get results.
By investing in self-development, you increase your value as a person, which includes all facets of your life—career, family, personal relationships, and your happiness and well-being.
And leadership, at least in the way I talk about it, requires leaders to bring their whole selves to their role. It’s not just about their skills, processes, and approaches to their work, but also their character, values, and mindset.
To achieve this level of leadership often requires an investment: improving your skills, expanding your knowledge, and leveraging your strengths and strengthening your weaknesses.
The most successful leaders and entrepreneurs, are not born into greatness—they work hard to become great. They understand that learning is a lifelong practice.
It’s true of leaders at every level: successful CEOs, executives, directors, managers and supervisors.
And smart leaders understand that they are never done learning, because learning is a lifelong process. Being aware is a lifelong thing. Working on mindset it a lifelong journey.
The Benefits of Investing in Your Development
The benefits of investing in your development might seem obvious – but let me share just a few.
Reach Goals. On the surface, one benefit is reaching a professional goal – a certain position, title, business, etc.
Increase Awareness to Broaden Perspective. Experience in itself can broaden your perspective (you learn more, experience more – your perspective naturally and even subconsciously changes). When intentional and make it a continual practice – you can learn more in a shorter period of time – see things differently (i.e. through coaching).
Dismantle Unhelpful Habits. Part of being an effective leader means recognizing what could be making you ineffective. When you have old habits that are limiting your growth, it’s a struggle to focus on the most important commitments and priorities.
Dismantle Limiting Beliefs. Unearthing and working to replace beliefs that hold you back will create space for progress. Your development can show those limiting beliefs.
Elevate Your Confidence. Greater confidence impacts the way you land on others and how others take notice. Organizations take notice of leaders who are investing in themselves.
Helping to Improve the Company Culture. This is how self-improvement becomes a natural part of a company’s culture: it shows others that this is the way to improve. And when everyone can improve in tandem, big things are possible.
Elevating Your Own Productivity, Etc. Your business and leadership is a reflection of YOU. If you are frantic, disengaged, stressed – this translates into the vibe of the company and/or your team/department. However, when you are calm, aware, fulfilled – your business and results will mirror this.
When You Grow, Your Business Grows. When you invest in yourself, the challenges that would have been tough for you months ago are overcome more swiftly and more easily.
Avoid Potential Disaster. You spend a lot of energy and time supporting and serving others. Often, this means you can find yourself tense, overburdened and stretched far too thin. We aren’t as likely to make good decisions because the monkey brain takes over.
It Helps You Live In Your Zone Of Genius. Investing in yourself by growing your leadership skills enables you to empower your team. You’ll be able to spend more time in your ‘zone of genius.’ This is where you will create the most impact for your business, your life and all those you serve.
Once you get started developing yourself, it doesn’t take long to see what you’re capable of and feel your confidence grow.
The Potential Barriers to Investing in Your Development
Here are some of the common reasons I hear for people not taking that step to invest:
Not enough time
Not enough money
My organization doesn’t provide anything
I don’t deserve it
Others deserve it more
I’m a giver, not a taker
It’s selfish
If I just work hard – I’ll get what I want.
Here is the bottom line: YOU own your own result. You own your own development.
It’s easy to look externally - counting on organizations to provide the investment. While that is nice (and I highly recommend organizations DO invest in their people’s development), it is still your responsibility.
Challenge your thoughts:
What if I’m wrong?
Have I explored options?
Have I asked questions?
Attributes
Those leaders / entrepreneurs who make their own development a priority tend to have the following attributes:
They’re open to feedback.
They’re always reading / listening / intaking knowledge.
They learn from their mistakes.
They grow their network.
They learn how to ask questions.
They make time for reflection.
They don’t oversaturate themselves with development.
They don’t use what they learn against themselves.
They approach from the future version of themselves.
They have a coach.
Examples of How to Invest
If you aren’t sure where to start - think about your current situation. What is an area that you would like to get better at? Where you are feeling dissatisfied?
Also think about the future version of yourself. What do you need now to become that person?
Here are just a few examples of how you can invest:
Strengthen your network
Find a mentor
Listen to podcasts
Take online courses
Join a mastermind
Engage in coaching
Read
Set goals
Do something that brings you joy
Journal
Consider self care
Final Thoughts:
The pace of life is fast, and when it’s already difficult to keep up with the demands of the day it may be hard to imagine carving out even more time for yourself.
But like wise investors, great leaders realize that a good long-term return requires regular investments, even small ones, in the present. And they’re not afraid to spend their time and money on the best practices to help their investment develop and grow.
The strongest investment you can make is an investment in yourself, that is how you get great leadership.
What do you think?
How do you invest in your development?
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