Hello, and welcome to part three of our five-part “ARISE” series where Eric and I discuss the “I” in ARISE: Investing (in YOU)! We’re sharing perspectives and principles that will hopefully give you a boost and encourage you to invest in yourself.
The first two parts of this series are linked at the bottom of this page, but they don’t need to be consumed in order. You can get started here today!
[~3 Minutes] ARISE Acronym
These are the foundational ideas behind the ARISE membership we’re developing and the basis for this 5-part series on LearnDoBecome Radio:
A = Anchor — This means we’re anchoring in our values. We’re identifying what matters most to us, and we’re no longer “drifting.”
R = Replenish — Most people are pretty tired–either from a lack of sleep, an abundance of stress, or from attempting to change things–but never making that progress they’re hoping for. We’re looking to help change that!
I = Invest (what we’re discussing today!) — In order to create our ideal lives, we need to invest time, energy, and resources. But there’s a wise way–and an unwise way–to do this. We’re sharing some of our best ideas to help you see that you are worth the investment, and we’re excited to share some of our favorite resources.
S = Structure — Sometimes it feels like you have more “freedom” if you don’t have projects, routines, or to-do lists guiding your every move. And we agree! But what if you could create a structure that is a catalyst for your creativity? When the right structure is in place, it fuels you–it doesn’t constrain you. We’ve learned through trial and error what works and what doesn’t–and we’re excited to share!
Podcast coming next week!
E = Expand — We’ve found that most people in our community want to serve in a bigger way. That doesn’t mean that everyone wants to start a non-profit or build a business or take on a huge project. But we want to know that our life, our experience, and our efforts are having a positive effect on the world in some way. We’re going to help you to think bigger (not “harder”) and open opportunities where you can leave a legacy that feels really good to you.
Podcast coming in two weeks!
[30 Minutes] Deep Dive Into Investment
There are a variety of ways to invest, but today we’re focusing on two key ideas involved in doing so: 1) Believing that we deserve the investment; 2) Logistically making it happen.
(1) Believe that YOU deserve the investment.
We often don’t even realize when our “lack of belief in ourselves” comes through. In the podcast, I share a couple of personal stories where I was grateful to be reminded that I am worthy of my own belief and investment. (Click the “play” button up above or listen on your favorite podcast app for more!)
Because you’re HERE–reading this post, we’re going to assume that you believe you’re worth the investment (or that you want to believe you are), but just to be sure, here is a subtle way this lack of belief shows through:
You delay or settle for less attention to yourself than you deserve—or that you would want for your dearest friend or family member.
When our actions stop aligning with our beliefs, we risk slowly conditioning ourselves into thinking that we are no longer worthy of investment. It helps to have someone in our lives reminding us that we ARE worthy of our own time and investment, and that gentle reminder is exactly what we are hoping this podcast can be for you!
(2) Make it happen logistically.
Stephen Covey, in his book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, taught about these four quadrants:
We go into more detail inside the podcast, but the simplest explanation is that “Quadrant 2” (the highlighted one) is where we want most of our time and energy to go. This is where we invest in ourselves, our families, and our future. It takes discipline, though, because the other quadrants are the typical default for most of us. This is a consistent balance between the urgent and the important.
Another principle that we love from Stephen Covey is “putting the big rocks in first”:
This image shows the same amount of materials going into the same-sized jar, but everything only “fits” if the big rocks are put in first.
We’ve linked the video (that we showed to our children) that discusses these “Big Rocks” below, but the main takeaway is to “put in” (or schedule) your top priorities first.
[12 minutes] Final Thoughts and an Invitation
We’re sharing one key suggestion here (and then we’d LOVE to hear some of your thoughts in the comments):
Create space in your budget and in your schedule for reading and learning.
I’ve found that when I invest in books, courses, and conferences, it directly impacts my mood, my family, my goals for the future, and my income.
Eric shares this quote in the podcast, and I love how I feel when I read it:
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” -Maya Angelou
Today there is more opportunity than EVER to learn and grow and share with others. The best minds in the world are accessible to us–often totally free as we utilize the library, podcasts, and the world of online resources. We believe that as we learn and do, we become that person we’ve felt was inside us all along.
QUESTION: How do you currently invest in yourself? Or what do you plan to do in the future (starting now) to make a serious investment?
LearnDoBecome INVITATION: Think about your current investment strategy in yourself and identify one thing you could do to take it to the next level.
Related Links:
Podcasts and Videos:
“Anchor” Podcast on LearnDoBecome Radio
“Replenish” Podcast on LearnDoBecome Radio
[PODCAST 98]: How to Make Time to Read – Part 1
[PODCAST 99]: How to Make Time to Read – Part 2
Books:
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
- First Things First by Stephen R. Covey
- Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
- Thursdays with Zoe
And more..
The ARISE Interest List/Personal Assessment Sign-Up
Connect with LearnDoBecome! (This is our page that links to all our resources….)
Our STEP Introductory Training, “How to Finally Stop Drowning in Piles”
This really spoke to me. I am a mother of 3 young kids and I am feeling very burnt out from my job. I don’t know what to do. I’m not passionate about what I do but I don’t have the mental stamina to invest in a business that I’m passionate about either. It would be irresponsible of me to leave my current very well paying job but I am not passionate about it at all. I do not know what to do.
Liz, we can totally relate, as we were in a very similar situation. It is wonderful that you have a well-paying job to support your family. Dave Ramsey talks about building a ship (not necessarily a new business, but perhaps searching out and preparing for a different job) while you still have a dock to stand on. Eric has more to add to this conversation, I’m sure, but in the meantime, just opening your mind to a different reality and looking for ways to make a change without requiring more energy or time than you have available is a good start. We are cheering you on!
I very much enjoyed this podcast on Investing in ourselves. It made me realize that in joining LearnDoBecome! and working on learning and doing that I am becoming. Taking it to the next level means scheduling it into a block of time at least 3 days a week on my calendar.
Nancy, that time-blocking is a game changer. Love that! Our team is here to support you, and we’re so grateful you’re part of LearnDoBecome!
Hi April and Eric,
I finally started investing more in myself in the last 1-2 years. I currently invest in myself with Learn, Do, Become and three other programs. I heard about three of the programs I’m invested in now several years ago before actually signing up. I think I watched your “How to Finally Stop Drowning in Piles” video at least three times before I finally signed up for STEP Mastery. One program I’m invested in is a ladies boot camp for exercise. The other two are more spiritually/mentally focused.
I still have a problem following through with my programs consistently, except for the boot camp. I have to get my exercise in! I’m sitting at my computer every day. I can see the difference in my energy level on the days I don’t exercise.
I have a block schedule set up to include time for self-improvement but I am rarely on track. I feel like there are some subconscious/unconscious beliefs that are holding me back. Maybe I am farther along than I think but it’s difficult for me to see the progress. Listening to podcasts (yours and others) have been a help for me. I saw your email when I was on the computer and decided to listen to something positive. Now I need to get back to work!
Lisa, we are so, so proud of you! Your comment, “Maybe I am farther along than I think but it’s difficult for me to see the progress” is spot on, in my opinion! If you could pop into our home for a month and watch what we do/how we balance all the needs and challenges of our lives, you’d see that we have TONS of ups and downs. But at the end of the day, I think it’s about the general direction we’re moving–and the fact that we (I’m including you in that) are committed to never giving up. 🙂 You can do this!
Haven’t listened yet, but this is like you’ve read my mind. can’t wait to listen and will plan a time to do so today. i usually listen in my car but for this segment I’m listening outside on our deck – its a gorgeous day here – and know I will want to take notes.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but as a free lance food and travel writer and cooking instructor/caterer getting adjusted to this almost post covid schedule and still taking great care, as work opportunities start coming back, seems just as hard as making the privot was during quarantine. The thing, the place where I always give? Is me… my home, fun time with my hubby, etc. Anxious to start to make a change. Putting in big rocks first this morning. 🙂 Thanks for all you do.
Heidi, I love picturing you on your deck, listening and dreaming about your future and your self care. Simply the fact that you are THINKING about these things shows you are on the right track! ❤️
April and Eric, I loved this episode! I am in LearnDoBecome but I confess I haven’t actually started my transformation of my home. I need to badly. Meanwhile, maybe it’s productive procrastinating, but I’m working on a challenge and course for coping with stress. Your podcast was spot on and I’d love to use some of your ideas about investing in yourself in my course, with credit to you, of course. I would not do word for word, but this is a really important topic! Thanks for all you do to help people get control of their lives. ❤️
Becky, we are so grateful for your kind words, and we feel honored that you’d like to reference our podcast in your course. Please include a link back to this episode–and good luck with your course! Keep up the great work!