“Matteo, I’m smack in the middle of my career. Is it even worth investing in personal development? “
In personal development, you are – potentially – unlimited: the best videos, books, courses, and coaches are all potentially available to you.
“Too much choice. How do I know what’s the right investment? “
The answer, while seemingly straightforward, is often muddied by layers of doubt and self-negotiation.
Money worries are often about more than just numbers; they show deeper fears and doubts. The cost is an excuse for a bigger issue – being afraid to invest in yourself.
Let’s look closer at this. At first, the questions seems to be about money.
“Uhm, can I even afford it?”
But looking deeper, it’s about how much you value yourself and your future.
It’s not just about the cost but about how much your think your own growth is worth.
“Matteo, I’m not sure it’s worth the investment.”
Are you saying that IT is not worth the investment? Or are you telling me that YOU are not worth the investment here?
When clients are unsure about investing in coaching, they often really doubt their own worth.
This is where the story must change.
The true investment isn’t just in coaching but in oneself. It’s recognizing that personal growth and better communication skills are key to career success and personal happiness. Changing how you see this – from a cost to a valuable investment – is important.
This mental change is like moving from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, a concept from Carol Dweck. In a fixed mindset, we believe our skills can’t change. But a growth mindset sees that we can improve through effort and dedication.
Stories of transformation are key here. They show that investing in ourselves pays off. These aren’t just success stories; they’re about personal change, highlighting the importance of seeing our own potential. These stories connect with us because they show a truth we all understand – growing and improving is priceless.
But how do we bridge the gap?
Let’s start with this question: “What is the cost of not investing in yourself?”
My entrepreneur friends will recognize the idea behind the question. It’s an old and ever-present economic concept: opportunity cost.
Simply put, not doing something can have a cost.
This way of thinking changes our view from just the money we spend now to the opportunity cost. It’s about imagining a future where better communication skills lead to better leadership, stronger relationships, and more career success.
In summary, getting past the financial barrier in personal growth is more about the worth you give to yourself and your future, not just the money. It’s about changing how you see professional development – not as an expense, but as an investment in a better future. This future isn’t just about success; it’s also about feeling more valuable and accomplished. The best rewards come from investing in yourself.