When you think about growing your business, your mind might jump to external investments like flashy software, trendy marketing campaigns, or even expanding operations. I know that is typically where my mind goes.
But the truth is, your business will only grow as much as you do professionally. The best investment you can make is in yourself.
Personal and professional growth isn’t just a feel-good concept; it can fuel your business success. Professional growth is the application of new experiences and skills. Professional development is the process that leads to that growth. It involves advancing your skills and traits. In the end, as a business leader, it should lead to stronger leadership, learning to be adaptable (business is unpredictable!), and making better decisions.
How to Start Investing in Yourself
Investing in yourself can be super simple. Here are 4 things you can do:
- Find a Mentor or Coach
A mentor can offer guidance based on their experiences, while a coach can help you identify areas for improvement and hold you accountable for growth. Both are invaluable resources for sharpening your skills.
- Learn Continuously
Whether it’s reading books, taking courses, or attending workshops, commit to lifelong learning. Focus on areas like strategic thinking, communication, and emotional intelligence—all of which directly impact your business.
- Reflect Regularly
Take time to step back and assess your progress. Are your habits helping or hindering you? What lessons have recent challenges taught you? Reflection is key to staying aligned with your goals.
Think of it as looking in the rearview mirror-Look, assess, and adjust so you can keep moving forward.
- Prioritize Your Well-Being
Growth isn’t just mental—it’s physical too. Invest in healthy habits like exercise, sleep, and mindfulness practices to keep yourself sharp and energized. This is something that leaders often ignore, but is so important.
The Ripple Effect of Personal Growth
Here’s the beauty of investing in yourself: it doesn’t just benefit you. When you grow as a leader, your team feels the impact. They’ll be more engaged, motivated, and productive because they’re inspired by someone who leads with clarity and purpose. Better systems, smarter hires, and stronger strategies all start with you.
Then, ensure that your team is getting the professional development and growth they need so they can continue to make an impact in your organization.
Ways to Work Together
If you are feeling trapped in your business and not experiencing the freedom you want, here are the two ways we can work together.
One-on-One: Ready to create a business that allows you the freedom you want? We are passionate about our custom solutions and systems for your business. Our approach takes your industry, your unique disposition as a business owner, and your definition of success, and we develop a unique to you plan to move you towards loving your business again. Click the link above to set up a call identify your goals, discuss your current roadblocks, and to ask any questions about working together.
Business Roadmap: This is for the business owner who needs help on what the next thing is to do, and the next 5 steps after that. You don’t need another social media course, email funnel, or sales strategy, but a plan specific to you and your business. You’ll gain clarity on where your business is at, create a plan that is right for your business, you’ll know what to do and what to ignore, along with the resources you need. In the end, you will take that plan and implement it, saving you thousands of dollars and years of headaches.
A third way, and I know I only said two, but sometimes I can’t help myself. If you are feeling stuck and are in need of resources, reach out. I am happy to point you in the right direction and even provide an asset of my own to help you move forward.
Stephanie German is a business strategist, adjunct professor, and speaker. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership and loves giving back to her community in a variety of ways. When she’s not coaching clients or writing about leadership, Stephanie is usually headed to the mountains or the beach with her family, drinking savory wine, or working on the latest project with her husband. Stephanie’s greatest desires are to raise up the next generation of leaders while raising her own children to be strong, independent, and brave. She lives in Fresno, California with her husband Blake and her three spunky daughters, Cara, Kinsey, and Peyton. She is the best-selling author of So Your Boss Can’t Lead?