Invest in YOU!

While I was working last week I came to a point that I was really getting frustrated. I needed 2 large screens to make things a bit easier. I have a small laptop and the laptop screen was stretched out just far enough to make those excel cells just a hair small to see. This was not the first time this has happened and would certainly not been the last. When I’m at the office I typically try to grab the office/location that has 2 monitors, because that is just the way I feel that I work best. But here I am sitting at how now for the next 4 weeks, so what do I do.

Immediately I searched, researched and Identified a good price on a 24” curved monitor that would make my ability to work at home easier. Now realize, working from home is something I do about 1-2 days a week normally, and this was not something I was going to look to my employer to buy, I just purchased it myself. Do I have enough money to do this, sure. Is this the best way to spend $120… I don’t know, I’m sure there are some other family expenses that I could use it for. But in this situation, in order to make me the most productive I can be at home, this was the best solution, just spend the money and invest in me.

I tell you all of that cause sometimes you need to just invest in you. What is holding you back at being the best presenter or best worker that you can be. Is there a conference or training session that you really want to attend but your employer has said no to. Do you want your phone connected to company email, but your employer has said no, you are too junior. All of these questions can be solved if you are willing to just invest in yourself, spend your own money so that you can meet your goals. Too many times people hold back because they expect that their employer should be the one buying this, after all they are going to get the better employee and worker.

As I look back on my career there have been a number of times that I just went ahead and did what I needed to do to be the best I felt I could be. Some small purchases I have made include, paying for my own cell phone and data, keeping it connected to company data, cause they were cutting back on who should have this. A presenter clicker to keep in my bag so when I presented I could be comfortable and not have to approach my keyboard. At this point I have not found a conference or anything like that, but I can tell you there are people out there that have and I’m sure they can share their stories. Just read Tony Robbins or Tim Ferris and you will come across countless people that have made the necessary investments in themselves.

My lesson to you. Do not wait on those around you to invest in you. Put the time, effort and sometimes the money to invest in yourself. Of course, spend within your means, but do not be afraid to put it towards you. These investments will grow your confidence, improve you and set you up to be even better the next time.