Investing in Yourself: Elevate Your Career Through Professional Development

“Who Loves Ya, Baby?”

That phrase was the signature phrase of Detective Theo Kojak in the 1970’s crime drama, Kojak. It seemed an appropriate quote to start this week’s blog. We’re discussing the fact that one of the necessary keys to building your business is loving yourself.

While I am not a fan of narcissism (excessive admiration of oneself), I do recognize that we must take care of and love ourselves. Self-care is an important concept, because with it we can manage stress, lower the risk of illness, and maintain more energy.

Like your car, your body runs only as well as you care for it. There is a direct correlation between your personal health and the health of your business so here are three key steps to growing your business by loving yourself:

1. Develop a Self-Care Plan

A White House report in 2023 noted that America is facing a mental health crisis among citizens of all ages. And Covid 19 only exacerbated this. With  expanding opioid and suicide statistics, it is imperative that each of us take better care of ourselves in all areas of our lives.

This link offers useful information you can print out and use to create your own self-care plan. It’s a truly valuable resource.

Whether you are male or female, this is an incredibly helpful video to watch several times.

2. Develop Your Professional Skills

The only one who can promote you and offer you a raise is…YOU! If you aspire to a higher position, then begin dressing for that role. If you know a promotion hinges on learning new skills, pursue them. There are so many online tools, schools, and classes you can take in your off-hours that will enhance your skillsets and credentials. To enhance your skills and knowledge, go to www.coursera.com and see which courses would empower and equip you to advance in your field.

The more valuable you make yourself; the more opportunities arise for you. President Harry S. Truman once said, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” If you want to advance your career, earn more income, and serve more people it’s important to “sharpen your saw”—fill your mind with more useful and inspiring information to increase your value to yourself, your family, and your job. Here is a list of twelve books to consider reading this year.

3. Develop outside interests

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” is a timeless proverb from around the world. If all you do is work, you are unable to be an interesting or exciting person. If all you do revolves around work, what happens to your life when you retire or are otherwise forced out of the workplace?

Consider taking up a new hobby, learning a new skill, or pursuing one of your bucket list goals. This will refresh you on so many levels and help you take a break from work so when you do work, you are in the “zone.” Here’s an informative video on ways to expand your horizon.