The Most Important Investment You Can Ever Make
Today we’re talking about an important investment. No, I’m not talking about finances today. I’m talking about something much, much more important than that. The most important investment in your life. It’s you. We’re talking about investment in self.
I know, I know... Reading that probably rubs you the wrong way. The problem is that we’re conditioned to think that focusing on self means being self-absorbed. That is absolutely incorrect. When you take care of your needs first, only then can you bring your best to the people -- to the world -- around you.
When you’re focused on responding to the needs of those around you, you’re going to find yourself running on empty with little to nothing of substance to give to those around you.
Oh, and you’ll likely be frustrated, pouty, discouraged, or in a funk...wishing your circumstances and/or the people around you would change.
What you’re really longing for is control of yourself. And no one can give you that...but you.
Let’s play a little mind game.
Here’s scenario #1. You want things to change -- to start that business, have a better relationship with your partner, get in shape -- but you do nothing. You’re just going to wait for now and hope the situation will get better with time.
Now imagine things 1 week from now, 1 month from now, 1 year from now, 5 years from now, 20 years from now... Has anything changed? How do you feel?
Here’s scenario #2. You decide to focus on one or two key aspects of personal development and really do the work to grow.
Now visualize the results. Imagine how things might be different 1 month from now, 1 year from now, 5 years from now, 20 years from now. How does it feel?
Here’s scenario #3. You create a lifestyle of focusing on your personal growth and development, creating time to focus on continual personal improvement.
Imagine the repercussions from this type of focus on self 1 month from now, 1 year from now, 5 years from now, 20 years from now. How does it feel?
Which scenario would make you happiest? Which scenario would benefit those you love most? Which scenario would be best for the world?
“Okay, okay, Brenda, you’ve made your point. But how can I actually make that happen?”
The formula is simple, but it’s not easy.
- Focus on self-care. Eat well; sleep well; pray or meditate; connect with yourself; and be patient with yourself.
- Identify one thing you want to change. Maybe that will mean focusing on one thing. Maybe it will mean creating balance by giving attention whatever is most out of balance at any given moment.
- Decide on a measurable (preferably small), achievable goal.
- Take action. Make sure that you’re in a positive state. This will help reflect goods things back to you. Celebrate your success and build momentum.
We’re not designed to stay stagnant. We’re designed to move, to grow, to create, to impact. It all starts with you taking care of you.
Thanks for listening!
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