5 Ways You Can Invest in Yourself

Life is a lovely yet chaotic journey, filled with responsibilities that demand our attention and resources. As women, moms, and physicians, we are frequently tugged in several directions by the demands of our families, patients, and careers. It's easy to lose sight of our own aspirations and needs in the midst of this frenzy. We may unintentionally push ourselves to the bottom of the priority list, believing that self-investment is an indulgence we cannot afford. 

However, I am certain that investing in ourselves is an absolute necessity. It serves as the foundation for our strength, resilience, and ability to face the challenges that life presents. The moment we decide to invest in ourselves is the moment we give ourselves the gift of self-love and self-compassion that we deserve. By recognizing our worth and nurturing our bodies, minds, and souls, we are better equipped to handle the demands placed upon us.  It is about acknowledging that we, like everyone else in our lives, need care and attention, too. 

What is Self-Investment and Why is it Important? 

Self-investment is all about putting time, effort, and resources into nurturing and developing ourselves, both personally and professionally. It's a conscious choice to prioritize our growth, well-being, and happiness. Just like we invest in various aspects of our lives, like our careers or relationships, self-investment focuses on enriching our own lives. 

Now, why is self-investment especially important to women? Well, let's face it—women often find themselves juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. We are daughters, mothers, sisters, partners, friends, professionals, and more. It is easy to get caught up in the demands of these roles and forget about our own needs and aspirations. 

So, self-investment is like hitting the pause button on the craziness and saying, "Hey, I matter too!"   

When we take care of ourselves, we are better equipped to handle all the challenges life throws at us. When we invest in ourselves, it's not just about bubble baths and spa days, but those ideas are a great start too. It is simply about realizing our worth and not feeling guilty about taking time for ourselves. 

Historically, societal norms and expectations have sometimes pushed women to prioritize others over themselves. While nurturing and caring for others is a beautiful trait, it should not come at the cost of neglecting our well-being. Self-investment empowers us women to reclaim our sense of self-worth and prioritize our personal growth. 

Taking time to destress is a crucial aspect of self-investment. In today's fast-paced world, stress has become a common companion, and it can take a toll on our physical and mental well-being. But guess what? I've got just the thing to help you with that, my FREE destress toolkit. 

5 Simple Ways to Invest in Yourself 

It is heartbreaking to see how often we forget about our own needs and desires, all in the name of taking care of everyone else. But here's the truth, we matter too. We are not just moms, daughters, partners, or physicians—we are unique individuals with dreams, passions, and worth beyond measure. We wear so many hats, but being ourselves is at the core of everything. Now, it is time to embrace our unique awesomeness and make it a priority. Don't let being "just us" be an afterthought. Here are five powerful ways to make self-investment a priority: 

Prioritize Self-Care 

As moms and women physicians, we often find ourselves putting everyone else's needs before our own. It is time to change that narrative and understand that self-care is not selfish; it is self-preservation. Just like how we administer care and compassion to our patients, we need to extend the same to ourselves. Taking care of our physical, emotional, and mental well-being equips us to handle life's challenges more effectively. 

First things first, carve out some serious "me time" in your schedule. Press that pause button on the chaos and give yourself the TLC you truly deserve. Create a self-care routine that aligns with your lifestyle.  

And here are some things that I love to do. It could be as simple as waking up early to enjoy my quiet cup of coffee or going for a walk. I always make sure to set aside time for activities that bring me joy, whether it is reading a book, journaling, or pursuing a hobby. Remember, we can't pour from an empty cup, so let us make self-care a non-negotiable part of our routines. 

Want the ultimate self-care experience? Join me and a bunch of awesome women at the Brave Enough 2023 Fall Retreat happening this November. It's your time to unwind, connect with like-minded, and have a blast. So, mark your calendar and get ready for a life-changing adventure. 

Continuous Learning and Professional Development 

Indeed, in the medical field, the learning journey is a perpetual and exciting adventure. It resembles a rollercoaster ride, with constant momentum and progress. As someone in this profession for a long time, I'm all about that learning journey. The medical world is fast-changing, it keeps zooming forward, and I know I need to keep up. Investing in continuous learning not only enhances our medical knowledge but also nurtures our intellectual curiosity. 

So, how can you do it? Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and search for constant opportunities where you can grow and learn. Whether it is pursuing a specialization or simply exploring new interests, go for it. Remember, embracing new opportunities is essential for personal and professional growth. The medical world will always present novel challenges and breakthroughs, and being proactive in seeking knowledge and learning will always help us stay at the forefront of this dynamic field. 

When we say continuous learning and professional development, we do not have to confide ourselves in the limits of the conventional approach. If you want something insightful, transformative, yet fun, join me at the Brave Enough Women's CME Conference 2023. This conference is all about sharing experiences, supporting one another, and embracing the power of community. Expand your network and build lasting connections with women who are equally passionate about personal growth and success.  

Build a Supportive Network 

Being a mom and having a medical career can be super overwhelming. I get it, there are moments when I feel the same way. But you know what? Having a strong support system makes all the difference. I always seek out like-minded women in this field and form connections, bonds, and friendships. These connections have been my safe space to share experiences, seek advice, and celebrate successes. 

And let me tell you, finding these like-minded women has been a real comfort. It is reassuring to know that I'm not the only one dealing with the challenges of balancing being a mom and working in a demanding field like medicine. Seeing how resilient and determined they are in handling similar struggles has been so empowering for me. It gives me hope and motivation to keep going and do my best in both roles. 

Need some support that truly gets you and your struggles? Come join me and other incredible women at The Table – a thriving community where we lift each other. At The Table, we are all about the power of sisterhood. We know that together, we are stronger, and supporting each other on our unique journeys is what it's all about. 

Embrace Mindfulness Mindset 

The power of our thoughts and mindset is truly remarkable, and it's something we should never underestimate. As women, we face unique challenges that can sometimes lead to self-doubt. But guess what? We have the tools to conquer those doubts and find the strength to overcome any obstacles that come our way. The key is mindfulness.  

By incorporating mindfulness practices into our daily routine, we can cultivate self-awareness and emotional resilience. It puts us in the position to be in tune with ourselves, understand our thoughts and emotions, and learn to navigate through difficult times with grace and composure. Mindfulness also empowers us to let go of past regrets and worries about the future. It encourages us to focus on the present and embrace each moment with a positive outlook. By doing so, we free ourselves from unnecessary stress and anxiety, allowing us to be more focused and effective in our endeavors.  

Incorporating mindfulness into our lives doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to meditate, breathe deeply, or engage in mindful activities like walking in nature, practicing yoga, or listening to podcasts. If you want to enhance your mindfulness, check out my podcast for tons of topics to explore that can add value to your journey of self-investment.  

Set Goals and Take Action 

Setting goals and taking action is a powerful combination for personal growth, self-investment, and success. To truly make progress in any area of life, it is essential to define clear and achievable goals that align with our aspirations and values. 

Let's start by identifying what we want to achieve. Whether it is related to your career, health, relationships, or personal development, be specific about the objectives. Having a clear vision of what we want will provide us with a sense of direction and motivation. Next, break those big goals down into smaller, manageable steps. This process is like creating a roadmap that will guide us toward our destination. Each smaller step becomes a milestone that we can celebrate as we move closer to our ultimate goal.  

Setting goals is a powerful process, but it all starts with understanding your boundaries. If you find it challenging to establish healthy boundaries, don't worry – I've got your back. My book, Brave Boundaries, is here to help. In this book, I delve deep into the concept of boundaries and how they play a significant role in achieving your goals. It is not just about pushing yourself endlessly; it is knowing when to say no, when to take a break, and when to prioritize self-care. From work to personal relationships, you'll learn how to communicate your needs effectively and create a space where you can thrive. 

In this journey, consistency is key. I encourage you to take regular action towards your goals, even if it's just small steps every day. Consistency builds momentum, and over time, those little efforts add up to significant progress. Remember to stay adaptable and flexible along the way. And also, we will always encounter setbacks or challenges. When that happens, just push forward. By being intentional, adaptable, and persistent, we will eventually find ourselves accomplishing more than we ever thought possible.  

As you go along the journey of investing in yourself, make sure to align your goals with Brave Balance, the ultimate 12 Week Masterclass that is all about taking proactive actions toward your life goals. It's not just about dreaming big; it's about turning those dreams into tangible achievements. You will gain valuable insights, tools, and strategies to overcome obstacles and stay focused on your path.  

Making Self-Investment a Priority 

From now on, do not let the feeling of guilt wash away the idea that we need to invest in ourselves. Many of us have been raised with the notion that putting others first is the right thing to do, and while being kind and supportive of others is commendable, it should not come at the expense of neglecting our own well-being. 

When we invest in ourselves, we become better equipped to serve others and contribute positively to the world around us. By recognizing the value and importance of self-investment, we empower ourselves to lead more fulfilling and meaningful lives. 

So, sister, let go of guilt, embrace self-love, and make yourself a priority. 

You are an asset that is always worth the investment.