So, what are you getting for Christmas? Are you getting yourself a little something to go along with the gifts to others?
I've read a few folks lately talking about the "greatest gift you can give yourself" and, honestly, it's true.
The best thing you can do for yourself is to invest in your own growth and development. Certainly, if you are in school, that means finish your education and do the best you can to learn as much as you can in the process. But if you are in the workplace (as most of my readers are), or even retired, what types of investments can you make? Here are some last-minute gift ideas to give yourself.
Training or Continued Education
Probably the most expensive gift in this category would be professional training or a continued education program, whether seeking a Master's or other degree or just attending an instructor-led class. Formal training adds skills that can help you grow, and that you can also add to your resume and help you find a new career or move to the next step.
Books
With eBooks being an instant download to your Kindle or iPad or phone, a wealth of knowledge, experience, and stories are at your fingertips. Reading may not always teach you, but it can share perspectives and validation for points you already believed, as well as provide facts and different perspectives that challenge your world view. Here are some books (and yes, these are affiliate links) that I have read recently or are on my "to-read" list:
- The 4 Hour Workweek - by Tim Ferriss
- Do Over - by Jon Acuff
- Tribes - by Seth Godin
- Launch - by Jeff Walker
- Teach and Grow Rich - by Danny Iny
Videos
You can also find a vast amount of free content online in the form of online videos. TED talks and other famous inspirational speeches litter YouTube. Here are a few you might be interested in.
- Drive - Dan Pink and RSA
- Tribal Leadership - Ted Logan - TEDx
- Words of Wisdom - compilation of Tony Robbins clips
Blogs
Another free resource full of information for you are blogs. Subscribe for updates and get daily or other updates that give you nuggets of motivation. Here are some that grace my inbox daily.
- Cameron Mathews - What, you thought I'd go without asking you to join my blog here? Of course, my content is worthwhile for you.
- Seth Godin - marketing and business
- Kevin J. Duncan - blogging
- Jeff Goins - writing and work
Podcasts
Lots of the blogs or authors above also have podcasts, but one that I listen to that may be a little different is Stuff You Should Know. It has over 700 episodes explaining how just about everything works. Rather than give you a huge list of podcasts, I recommend you check out Stuff You Should Know for general knowledge and seek out two podcasts in your specific interest area (I've got some on marketing, finance, and brewing beer littering my iPod).
Whatever gift you decide to give yourself this year, make it one that makes you positioned to succeed next year. Growth in yourself doesn't break and won't wear out or get used up in a month. It lasts.
