Investing in One's Self

In today's blog, I want to delve further into the idea of investing in one's self, as opposed to just doing what is expected of us.

Most of us were raised with the programming that thinking about, and/or taking private time for yourself, is, "selfish." As a result, unless it has some justifiable reason, we seldom do much of it. Some people only have private time in the bathroom; some people don't even have that. Taking time out to invest in oneself usually only happens late in life, if then. Don't let that happen to you!

In our earliest years, we were not aware of it, but our parents were investing, to a greater or lesser degree, in us. Currently, many parents start off, in their child's pre-school years, by doing their best to get their children enrolled in the "best" preschools which will up the chances that, when out of High School, they will have a better chance of getting into the best Universities. (Then, if they manage to graduate, it is expected they will be set up for life.) In between preschool and Universities, these children are enrolled in all kinds of classes, youth sports, and activities to help them develop in various ways. (Guess who, in this picture, are not investing in themselves.)

Most children, however, do not have parents who have the time or ability to lavish such attention on them. Many are too busy, "making a living." These parents seem to try to make up the difference by giving their children whatever they want, to the best of their ability. I have discussed the result of this in prior blogs--a whole generation with a sense of entitlement.

As a reasonably young adult, working at a job, one of the women executives there suggested that I start investing in stocks, in order to provide for my future. I told her that I was investing in myself, instead. I hadn't really thought about it, as such, before that, but that was what I had been doing. I had invested time and money in various business-related courses, to increase my work skills, as well as had enrolled in a local Art College. All of which had enabled me to get the job I currently had; one which I loved, for the most part.

I grew up in a small farming community, and went to a small school that had few extras to offer its students; I signed up for what was offered for girls, which was the business-related courses. This option shaped a good part of my work life thereafter. Because I liked to draw, my mother enrolled me in a correspondence art school, at some financial sacrifice, for which I am still grateful. These lessons fostered the other main focus of my future life, which was as an artist/creative person.

I, like most everyone, when growing up, just, sort of, followed along with what was offered. It never seemed as though I had much choice in the matter. Certainly, growing up in those times, there were many expectations as to my contribution as a family member went, as opposed to later times, when the only expectations were that you go to school, and stay out of trouble. (Sadly, the state of education has been going downhill ever since.)

What I am talking around here, is, "making an effort" to improve oneself and add to one's abilities, and to improve one's life. While most adults think in terms of, "being too busy" to take on something else, everyone allocates their time according to perceived obligations and preferences. Those with no outside obligations, other than, perhaps, a job, otherwise allocating as to preferences, primarily.

In my last blog, I advocated taking stock of oneself, and one's abilities, gained over time. I also suggest reviewing those kinds of things that one is interested in. Anyone, who had survived their youth, has, willy-nilly, learned things, it may only be a list of what you want to avoid in the future. In order to take responsibility for oneself, you have to have some idea of who and what you have become up to that point.

Secondly, you need to have to want something different for yourself. The extent of wanting something different, usually takes the form of, "wishing." Wishing is a waste of time! (Learning the difference between what you want and what you actually need, is a different subject.) Making a change in your life, generally has to become, a "need," before it gets acted upon. This has come to be called, a "mid-life crises."

Again, back to my last blog, a mid-life crises implies stress and panic--Don't panic! Today's version, "Stay calm, and carry on," suggests, "Staying the course," to me. Another old saying seems to apply here, "You can't make an omelet, without breaking a few eggs."

Most individuals, having just followed along wherever life seemed to take them, instead of taking charge of their lives, when nothing seems to be offered, do not know what to do. One option, in these parlous times, as in others, has been to go back to school--a good place to start.

Understanding that taking control of your life, at any point, by beginning to invest in yourself is your, "best bet." Doing an honest self-evaluation is the best place to start, hopefully before a crises develops.

Ending the blog for today.

Shirley Gallup