7 ways I *invest* in myself…
I recently hired someone I consider a BIG deal to help me scale Simple Shui.
it was not an ‘easy’ choice because the resources it requires are intense – the investment, the amount of work I am going to do (in a short amount of time), and the mindset shifts necessary to reach my end goal.
I’ve been working for more than a minute now to know that INVESTING IN MYSELF always pays off – and the harder the challenge, the happier I usually am when I can look back at how much I have accomplished.
that said, my doubts and discomfort are pretty pronounced right now, so while I am at the bottom of the mountain starting the climb, I wanted to share with you what I am doing to stay motivated and moving:
no. 1: I began a new work-out routine.
I didn’t do this deliberately in the beginning, but right before every ‘big’ pivot or launching something ‘new’ in my business, I always seem to sign up for a new class or workout.
my first certification program (as the student) + executive coaching program: Bikram Yoga
my workbooks: CrossFit
my book: long runs
my certification program: 5-mile walks every day
today: heavy weights + Lagree
no. 2: I start my day early.
the workout routine makes such a difference here because I do that first thing in the morning, but when my alarm goes off, OOOF! I don’t want to get out of bed.
so, I have this ‘rule’ – get up, get dressed, get out the door and when I arrive at the gym, if I don’t want to go in, I can come back home.
guess what? I never go back home.
this kick start to my day not only ripples into the hard work of creating new content, spaces, and opportunities within my business, it fuels my creativity and productivity all day long because I know ‘showing up’ is half the hard work.
no. 3: I write down my “strongest intention” every single day.
I adore a good list of intentions, but narrowing my day down to one keeps me focused – and taking each day one thing at a time is how a new habit / goal / way of being becomes routine (for me).
no. 4: I listen to podcasts from people who have created / succeeded in the goals I have set.
you know the saying, “we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with.” well, my hack for this – especially when I am not out and about networking – is to prune the bookshelves and refine my podcast queue so they are my daily company.
no. 5: I clear my desk every day.
right now, the piles of paper and notebooks on my desk are real, so I am letting the chaos live during the day. but before I close the doors on my office, no excuses – my desk is clean and clear.
I know this increases productivity and gives me that “job well done” satisfaction, but even better? it’s something most top entrepreneurs around the world do, too!
no. 6: I take time off.
this one is so challenging because when I am ‘in motion’, I can move mountains, so here is how I hold myself to this one…
I scheduled a few trips before committing to this BIG goal. tickets and hotels are booked, so there’s no room for negotiating.
on the HARD days, I surrender by reading a book, taking a nap, even mindless scrolling – a good one-day detachment is its own kind of deep work accelerant the next.
finally, instead of thinking about work when I am on a walk or spending time with the family…
and instead of thinking about our house, dinner, or weekend plans when I am working…
when I am working, I think about work. when I am with my family (house, etc.), I am with my family (house, etc.).
no. 7: I write down 3 things I am grateful for every day.
when it is part of a consistent ritual, gratitude changes EVERYTHING because what you appreciate appreciates! wealth begins with a consciousness of abundance – and that abundance can be what’s working in my life, what feels good, what little delights are tucked into the day.
