I promised to talk about you and this is all about you.
Is something missing in your life but maybe you're blinded by security? My definition of security is one or all of the following:
Health Benefits
401K Matching
And the granddaddy of them all......a salary
All of these things are incredibly important, don't get me wrong, but they AREN'T the reason you stay anywhere. I'm not suggesting you to quit your job today though. One of my favorite quotes is "follow your heart but take your brain with you" and that is what I'm suggesting here.
First, go look in the mirror. If you're like me you never really looked. Sure, you look in the mirror to see if you have broccoli in your teeth or mascara running down your face but when was the last time you looked at YOU.
The first time I did this I realized I looked tired and sad. Two things that I would never admit, maybe that's why I dodged mirrors for so long. Looking in the mirror helped me see what was truly there. Now what do you see? Sadness? Pain? Loneliness? Regret?
Awesome! Just like the stock market, the best time to invest in yourself is when you're at your lowest point. I have found this true in life because when we are at a low we are actually more open to change. Why? The stakes aren't as high. If we fail could things possibly get worse?
Where to start though. Don't worry I have some ideas for you.
Self Investment 101
I'm going to say a lot in this section that you've heard before. But I read that it takes hearing/seeing something 6 to 7 times before it sticks. So, welcome to what is hopefully your 6th or 7th meeting with this information. If you're on time number 1 just read this 6 more times and you're golden!
Dip your toe in
Do you want to learn a new programming language? Teach a class? Change careers entirely? This week google it! Yes, Google it! In your search results you'll find places, classes, online workshops and YouTube videos all sharing with you some little nugget of information that will take you down the path you want to go.
Once you've found something that suits you, such as an online or local class, enroll! Guess what, no one but you and Googs even know about this thing. And most likely you won't know a soul in the class. Low stakes for the win!
That's right, self investment 101 is 10 sentences long. Why? Because you don't need a giant 25 step plan to grow. Just make these two tiny steps and you're on your way to a richer more fuller life.
Shit You Are Saying Right Now
I can't call this section anything but shit because anything you say to yourself to stay small and insignificant is, well, shit. I will go further and say it's a huge problem, the size of a large bull, making it in fact bull shit.
I'm too old
Did you know Steven Covey didn't publish "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" until he was 57? Lucille Ball didn't create "I Love Lucy" until she was 40. Morgan Freeman didn't start seriously acting until he was 50. Henry Ford was 45 when he created the Model T.
I hope you're seeing that age is simply a number and the older you are the more experience you have.
Experience = expert
Use your age to your advantage! When people value you what you have to offer age fades into the background.
I'm not good at __________
Did you know when I was born I couldn't read, write or walk?!?! And yet my parents kept me around anyway.
After the blank that you've inevitably filled in add the word yet. You aren't good at that blank yet but you're going to put steps in place so that you will be in time.
I'm not smart
I call double bull shit on this one! I firmly believe that everyone on Earth is brilliant at something. Maybe it's sorting, maybe it's laundry, maybe it's working puzzles or math or writing! You are astoundingly gifted. Just because you don't score well on a standardized test or didn't make straight As in school means zero.
My dyslexic brother scored poorly on the language part of the SATs but he blew the test away on the math portion. He went on to receive a masters in applied statistics from Cornell. Just think if tried to get a masters in English? Instead he leaned on his strengths.
What are your gifts? Start there and you'll find you are the strength to someone else's weakness and people will pay for that strength!
I don't have time
I will agree with you here. You don't have time. You don't have time to be average. You don't have time to wait around and let things play out. You don't have time to waste!
What are things you SHOULD NOT have time for? I'll make a quick list.
Video games (unless you actively work in this industry)
Binge watching Netflix
Watching cat videos on YouTube
Mindlessly flicking through social media
Candy crush
To wrap this in a neat little bow, you are an experienced person that is always growing and learning. You are smart and you don't have time to waste.
Stop doubting yourself and start!
In the words of Dr. Seuss "You're off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so....get on your way!"