This is the time of year when people are setting their New Year’s Eve goals. If you are anything like me, you will set some goals and be unable to keep them. There is one goal however that it both valuable and attainable over the long haul: Invest in yourself every week
Since I have a full-time academic job, as well as my own successful consulting practice helping others discover and land their dream job, I don’t have time or energy to invest in making unrealistic resolutions that I will not keep. But investing in yourself is one goal that will pay huge dividends down the road.
1. Know Your Why!
I have a strong sense of purpose. Take the time to find out what motivates you and plug your time, skills and abilities into it. My personal mission is to help people simultaneously maximize their god given abilities and find their professional calling. I am the first believer that the world doesn’t owe you a living, so you owe it to yourself to continually invest in pursuit of your passions.
2. Research Your Passion
Block out time on your calendar to conduct research, read, learn, watch TED videos, or talk to subject matter experts. Learning something new can deepen an area of expertise, change the way you think and even take you in a whole new direction.
3. Inspiration
Connect yourself to those who motivate and energize you. Offer to support them in their personal mission. They will become your greatest champions in overcoming fear, charting new territory and realizing your dreams. When the time comes for you and you need assistance with your goals they will be the first step up.
Answering these questions will ultimately help you keep you on track in both your personal and professional lives. When you invest your time and energy in areas that align with your passion your career and personal life will start to take off.