Have you ever wondered why you might hold back when investing in your growth and learning? I've been on a journey to understand this and identified five common reasons by talking to dozens of women, including those who often invest in themselves (or at least think of doing so). Of course, not all these reasons apply to everyone, but if just one sounds familiar, trust me, you're not alone.
1. Seeking Permission
"I need to check with someone else." How many times have you said or thought this? When it comes to personal and professional development, many of us feel the need to ask for someone else's opinion. Whether it's your partner, sibling, or boss, we seek their permission. But here's a revolutionary idea: you are the highest authority in your life.
Remember, it's not up to anyone else to decide if you should invest in yourself. That decision is yours alone. Sure, financial considerations may require you to discuss big spending decisions with your partner - this is important. But that shouldn't stop you from knowing and asserting what's truly necessary for your growth.
2. The "Right" Time
"Is now the right time?" Raise your hand if this question is all too familiar. Life is busy. It's a hurricane of commitments, chores, and deadlines, and it may never seem like the 'right' time to invest in yourself. But that may just be an excuse.
Procrastination is a slippery slope, and it's easy to convince ourselves that 'later' will be better. But investing in yourself isn't about finding time. It's about making the right decisions about how you utilise your time.
3. Uncertainty about Return on Investment (ROI)
"Will I get enough out of this?" and "What if it's a mistake?" are common concerns when contemplating a personal investment. It's completely natural to question the ROI. However, the return isn't just determined by luck. It's a result of your actions and decisions.
Ensuring that the money you spend on yourself is worth it involves research, due diligence, and commitment. So, have faith in your choices and be confident that your investment in self-improvement will pay off.
4. Fear of Success
This may sound strange, but bear with me. Many of us fear success, which can be the dread of becoming too busy or losing touch with loved ones. Often, we distract ourselves with meaningless activities, overextend on others, and avoid our emotions.
This fear is often a result of internalising societal expectations and pressure. It's time to debunk this myth. Your growth and success will not alienate you. On the contrary, it will empower you to help better and support those around you.
5. The Guilt of Spending on Self
We saved the big one for last. Have you ever felt guilty or worried about spending money on yourself instead of your family or other responsibilities? You're not alone. The perception that women should always put others before themselves is deeply generationally and culturally ingrained in many of us.
However, remember this: investing in yourself isn't selfish. It is, in fact, an act of generosity. By improving yourself, you become better equipped to serve those closest to you at work and home.
To those still hesitant about investing in themselves, know that self-development doesn't deprive others. Instead, it adds value to your interactions with them.
There you have it, the five common hurdles that prevent women from investing in themselves. Now, imagine the power of overcoming these barriers. Imagine if one woman a day could conquer her self-doubt, invest in herself, and inspire ten others to do the same. That's how we build a society of parity, empowerment and appreciation.
I encourage you to take that step. Is there an investment in your personal growth that you've been holding back? Don't wait. Make it happen. You will experience personal growth and the fulfilment that comes with it and become a role model for others to invest in themselves. Let's start this shift in societal stigma together, one empowered woman at a time.
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