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Ten Reasons to Invest in Your Career
Not investing in yourself is like floating down a fast river
without a paddle, map or knowledge of what's around the next
bend. Things may go fine for a while, but at some point, you're
going to realize you made a giant mistake.
To avoid such unforeseen disaster in your career, you need to
invest in it to proactively and thoughtfully create a plan for
achieving your career and life goals.
And if that doesn't convince you, here are 10 reasons why
investing in your career is a must.
1. The Greatest Return on Investment, Anywhere The return on
investing and improving yourself is astronomically higher than
any financial investment you could make. From increased lifetime
earning power and unimagined opportunities, to protecting
yourself from unemployment and the satisfaction that comes from
personal growth and success -- the returns are enormous.
2. You're the Boss of You If you're the president and CEO of You
Inc., then it's your job to ensure you don't go out of business.
It's your job to nurture growth and prosperity. You do this by
carefully planning, performing consistently, operating true to
your mission and investing in You Inc.
3. Become More Valuable Draw up two balance sheets for yourself.
The first one should be a list of your financial assets and
liabilities. The second should be a list of your skills, ideas,
knowledge, marketability, personal networks, passion and ability
to make things happen. Increase your personal net worth by
investing in your second list ? that's how you'll increase the
assets on your first list.
4. Become Great You are capable of greatness. Most of us settle
for just getting by, using a fraction of our capabilities. This
is tragic. Realize your greatness by identifying your talents
and investing in your potential.
5. Achieve Your Goals Your career and life goals are far too
important to be just wishes. A mismanaged career can derail your
life goals. Investing in yourself dramatically increases the
probability of achieving your goals and is a real demonstration
of your commitment to achieving them.
6. Create Your Own Future Your career is yours to mold.
Investing in yourself gives you the clarity, power and tools to
create your own future and take the path less traveled.
Sometimes, investing means taking a risk, but that's the price
of entry for success and happiness.
7. Because the World Is a Complex Place You cannot know
everything you need to know or do everything you need to do
alone. You can't be your best without help. Find and invest in
those who can teach you, show you the way and help you achieve
your goals.
8. Life Is Too Short for Mediocrity You don't have the luxury of
being mediocre -- period. Whether you opt for self-improvement
or outsourcing your weak areas to someone who can do them
better, determine where you are mediocre and get help.
9. It's a Cliche, But on Your Deathbed? The reason we hear this
often is that it is so true. The passage of time will provide a
perspective we don't have now. One day, you'll look back at your
problems and successes and see them as bumps in the road. Your
focus will be on the big picture: the life you led,
opportunities pursued or abandoned, how happy you were and the
legacy you left behind. Investing in yourself will give you the
courage and determination to be happy and do your own thing.
10. Who Else Can You Count On? Let's face it: You're alone on
this. No one has as much to gain or lose as you do. No one else
is going to make those consistent investments in your
development to maximize your career and life.
How to Invest in Your Career Invest in understanding yourself
better and developing your goals, plans, professional skills,
knowledge, career management skills, networks, and your personal
brand and profile. Do it yourself, or work with experts like
career coaches.
Try thinking, planning, self-assessment tools, goal development,
reading, consulting experts, getting coached, taking courses,
upgrading or acquiring skills and proactively marketing
yourself. Recognize that investing in you often requires that
you don't play it safe.
About the author:
Ian Christie is a career coach, entrepreneur, former Monster.com
Sr. Director & former executive recruiter. Ian is a career
expert with many published articles and media interviews. Visit
BoldCareer.com for free
career resources & personalized career services.
Ian Christie
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