One of the first seminars I attended as a new business owner was an intense, multi-day experience brimming with ideas. While I took copious notes and I’m sure implemented many of those ideas, all these years later one specific instruction still stands out for me: Invest in the people and fields you admire and to which you aspire. In other words, support your inspiration.
“For example,” the speaker explained, “if you want to become a published author, start buying one hardcover book each week. Demonstrate your support and belief in practical, tangible ways.”
This resonated with me and has played out in many ways over the years:
While my local librarians know me by name due to my frequent-visitor status, as an author I often purchase books as well – and talk about them on social media, give them as gifts, and recommend them at speaking engagements.
Even though I’ve been a coach for many years, I always have a coach as well. I believe that’s important for integrity: How can I expect people to invest in a me as a coach if I’m not willing to invest in other coaches?
And as the owner of a professional development business, you can bet a good portion of my budget each year is devoted to conferences, classes, mastermind groups, coaches, training, and other growth opportunities.
This lesson taught me early on, and reminds me to this day, of the importance of supporting what we believe in. Invest in people, industries, and services you admire. In addition, invest in those who can help you grow – professional organizers, coaches, personal trainers, therapists, whomever has expertise in your areas of development.
Support what inspires, what you admire, and to what you aspire!
As I celebrate 14 years in business this month, I’m sharing 14 lessons – one per post – that I’ve learned (many the hard way) over the years. I hope they help you work with meaning and live with purpose!