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Why Is It So Difficult to Invest in Yourself as a Woman over 60?

By Deborah Voll June 11, 2023 Mindset

As women we are faced with a unique set of challenges. Often, we are juggling work, family, and other responsibilities, which can leave little time for personal growth and development. However, investing in oneself is essential for personal and professional growth, and it’s never too late to start today!

I will be sharing why it is important for us to invest in ourselves and provide some ideas, while including a success story of someone who invested in herself and how it enriched her life!

The Benefits of Investing in Yourself

Investing in oneself can bring about numerous benefits. Firstly, it can boost self-confidence and self-esteem. When you invest in yourself, you are showing yourself that you value your own growth and development. This can lead to a more positive self-image and a greater sense of self-worth.

It can also improve your overall health and well-being. This can include physical, mental, and emotional health. When you invest in your physical health, for example, by exercising regularly or eating a balanced diet, you are not only improving your physical health but also your mental health.

Investing in yourself can lead to greater career success. Whether you are looking to advance in your current job or switch to a new career, investing in yourself can help you acquire new skills and knowledge that can make you more competitive in the job market.

Ideas for Investing in Yourself

Here are some ideas for moving forward towards investing in yourself!

Attend a Workshop or Conference

A workshop or conference is a great way to learn new skills and connect with like-minded individuals. Look for events that are relevant to your interests or career goals.

Take a Course or Class

Taking a course or class can help you acquire new skills or knowledge. This can be anything from learning a new language to taking a cooking class.

Read Books

Reading books can help you expand your knowledge and perspective. Look for books that are relevant to your interests or career goals.

Join a Networking Group

Joining a networking group can help you connect with other professionals in your field. This can lead to new career opportunities or collaborations.

Hire a Coach

Hiring a coach can help you identify and overcome any obstacles that are holding you back. A coach can also provide you with guidance and support as you work towards your goals.

Overcoming Obstacles

Investing in oneself can be challenging, but there are ways to overcome these obstacles.

Make Time

Make time for yourself by scheduling it into your calendar. This could be as simple as setting aside 30 minutes each day to read or exercise.

Prioritize

Prioritize your goals and focus on the ones that are most important to you. This can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and allow you to make progress towards your goals.

Get Support

Get support from friends, family, or a coach. Having someone to hold you accountable and provide encouragement can be incredibly helpful.

Stay Positive

Finally, stay positive and focus on your progress, rather than any setbacks. Investing in oneself is a journey, and it is important to celebrate the small victories along the way.

Some Success Stories!

Meet Sarah

Meet Sarah, a 45-year-old woman who had been working as a customer service representative for the past 20 years. While she enjoyed her job, she felt stuck and was eager to try something new. Sarah had always been interested in photography but had never pursued it seriously. After doing some research, Sarah decided to invest in herself by enrolling in a photography course at a local community college.

Over the next few months, Sarah spent her evenings and weekends learning about the art of photography. She practiced with her camera and experimented with different techniques. She even started a photography blog to share her work with others.

At first, Sarah was nervous about pursuing her passion for photography. She worried that she was too old to start a new career or that she wouldn’t be good enough. However, with the support of her family and friends, she continued to push forward.

As Sarah continued to learn and grow, she became more confident in her skills. She started to apply for photography jobs and landed her first gig shooting a friend’s wedding. From there, her photography career took off. She started getting more and more job offers and eventually decided to quit her customer service job and pursue photography full-time.

Sarah’s decision to invest in herself and pursue her passion for photography was life-changing. She found a career that she loved and was able to support herself doing something that she was passionate about. Sarah’s story is a great example of how investing in oneself can lead to new opportunities and a more fulfilling life.

Meet Catherine

Meet Catherine, a marketing executive, who had always dreamed of starting her own business. Despite having a successful career, she felt unfulfilled and longed for more control over her professional life. Catherine decided to invest in herself and pursue her dream of entrepreneurship.

Catherine started by researching different business ideas and found that there was a gap in the market for high-quality, sustainable fashion. She had always been interested in fashion and had a keen eye for design, so she decided to start her own sustainable clothing line.

She started small, designing and producing a few pieces of clothing on the side while still working full-time. She attended fashion events and networked with other entrepreneurs to gain insights into the industry.

Over the next few years, Catherine’s business grew steadily. She invested in herself by taking courses on fashion design, sustainable sourcing, and e-commerce. She also hired a team of designers and production managers to help her scale her business.

Eventually, Catherine’s sustainable clothing line became so successful that she was able to quit her job and focus on her business full-time. Through her investment in herself, Catherine not only found a more fulfilling and rewarding career but also became an expert in the sustainable fashion industry.

Catherine’s story is a testament to the power of investing in oneself. By identifying her passions and interests and taking actionable steps towards achieving her goals, she was able to experience personal and professional growth, a more fulfilling career, and financial independence.

What’s Next for You?

Now, it’s time to reflect and ask yourself, “How can I invest in myself?” Whether it’s signing up for a course, joining a networking group, or pursuing a passion, there are numerous ways to invest in youself. The key is to identify what is important to you and take actionable steps towards achieving your goals. What’s holding you back? I have created this worksheet for you to download for free.Take some time to reflect on how you can take those first steps towards your own growth and development!

Remember, investing in oneself is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey towards personal and professional growth.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How are you investing in your future? Have you taken a course that has changed your life forever? What was it? If you have a passion, have you thought about expanding it? Share in the comments below on how you are investing in your future!

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susanne Harford

A most helpful, centring article, thank you! XS

The Author

Deborah Voll is a Professional Life & Career Coach who knows from her own experience that “it’s never too late to have the life you want.” Deborah helps you break through the barriers so you can reach your goals. Reach out for a clarity call or check out her Passion and Purpose Workbook.

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