Why Investing in Yourself is NOT Selfish!
I didn’t realize just how vehemently I am committed to personal growth and development until I was challenged and told that it was selfish. I stopped dead in my tracks and couldn’t believe what I was hearing. This individual said “ya but have you considered the flipside of personal development. It’s actually selfish.”
Well, no! I must admit that I’d never considered investing in myself to be selfish and it got me wondering if people hold back from growing because they have bought in to this myth as well.
Here are a few reasons why I believe that personal development is not selfish.
- You’re human which means you have an inherent need to grow.
See, most people stop living well before they’re dead. I look at some of my own family members who consume hours and hours of news and television and stopped growing years ago because they learned “all that they needed to know.” For me, that’s a sad existence.
I believe that people desperately want to grow. We want to know that we have agency or control over the direction of our lives and by investing in our growth, we learn the skills and develop the character to try new things and evolve.
- You show up as a more self-aware human in interactions, especially conflict.
One of the most profound shifts I see in my coaching clients is their ability to show up as a better version of themselves in adversity. People who work on themselves understand what triggers them and what makes them tick. Through personal development they gain an awareness of not only themselves, but what others really want. They’re able to bounce back more quickly from adversity while showing up to courageous conversations in a controlled and emotionally intelligent manner.
- You show up as a better employee, friend and partner.
People who are committed to personal development and growth are better employees, friends and family members. They bring a vivacious spirit to life that only comes from feeling fully engaged and purposeful in their efforts. They bring a generous and optimistic presence to their interactions and are always looking for ways to learn from others.
- You build self-esteem which drives you to serve others.
The pursuit of personal development strengthens self-confidence. In the learning, the stretching and attainment of goals you raise your standards. You build momentum as you see changes in yourself, how you show up and what’s possible for you to achieve. Interestingly, high achievers who are committed to growth seek to serve others more often than those who don’t invest in themselves. They become somewhat evangelical in their mission to help others see what they don’t see in themselves. They switch their thinking from “how can I be the best” to “how can I bring out the best in others.”
- You’re worth it!
I actually think that people who challenge personal development as being “selfish” actually don’t think that they are worthy of the investment. You are absolutely worth investing in! You were placed on this earth, in this century, in your job and town for a purpose. I believe that with my whole heart. I also believe that you will make the biggest contributions once you tap in to your full potential and personal development and growth is the way to do that.
Be honest with yourself. When you consider people in your life who are totally committed to personal develop and people who are closed off to the idea, who seems happier, fulfilled, and excited about life? Now ask, who would you prefer to spend time with or role model? In the end I believe strongly that you’re worth it, I hope you do too!
