// Invest in yourself //

I sat in a business course this January, soaking up all the “how-tos” of writing a successful business plan. For the later half of this session, the discussion focused on how to present our business plans to potential investors: what needs to be in place for someone to have so much confidence in me and my vision that they would bet their own resources on my success?

I tuned out. Frankly, I did not anticipate asking for loans or large sums of money to continue the growth of Yes&. I am grateful to have a low overhead cost, and savings dedicated to my pursuit - and thus, I do not need to convince anyone besides myself that Yes& is a successful endeavor.

Oh.

Wait.

Mar, did you catch that?

I do not need to convince anyone besides MYSELF that Yes& is a succeassful endeavor.

. .

I have observed myself with intrigue since opening Yes& on September 1st as I continuously seek and accept side gigs for “financial stability.” First let me say: I absolutely consider, a second source of income may be necessary as I build my own business from scratch. Additional income has eased stress, fostered patience, and has allowed me to put out content I am truly passionate about, content I know is impactful and powerful - rather than submitting to quick-money marketing strategies out of financial necessity.

However: my right eyebrow also lifts every time I hear myself speak words of justification to family, friends, & strangers at the climbing gym. After introducing Yes&, I am very quick to say, “and I also work at _, for financial support.”

I smile to mirror the relief I witness in the individuals face in front of me. “Oh, good.” “Very smart.”

Again, let me reiterate, to a certain extent I agree. Yes, it is smart. Yes, benefits are necessary. Yes, it is a luxery to build my business at a pace that fosteres quality and longevity.

AND

My quickdraw caveat to proclaim I am doing something else in addition to running my business proclaims that I do not believe it is possible for Yes& to fully support my life at this time.

Maybe that’s true.

Or, just maybe, that is a limiting belief.

. .

When a new business owner approaches an investor, what they are truly saying is “Right now I do not have the resources to start this on my own, and this endevour will not bring in a return for the next few months (or years!). AND. I know, with time, it will flourish. If I can borrow the resources I lack in this moment, I promise you will see a great return when I inevitably thrive.”

And so, I turned the question back on myself: What would it take for ME to have so much confidence in my vision that I would bet my OWN resources on the success of Yes&? Can CEO Marin walk into the office of Banker Marin with utmost confidence and say, “I cannot reimburse your savings account nor your hours worked YET. But I promise you, if you invest in this endevour right now - you will see a great return on investment. Not only financially, not only dues paid for the hours you will work ‘for free’ over the next few months - but in life satisfaction, dreams realized, & YOUR full, authentic life.”

. .

I share this with you as a current thought experiment. I am boldly looking in my own mirror and asking: am I willing to invest in my best life? Do I trust the return will far surpass the current risk? What does that look like in this moment? Maybe it is maintaining my side-gigs and weekend Yes& hustle. Maybe it is practicing patience. Maybe it is heightening my focus on the life I know deep in my gut will come to fruition. The answer will come. The question, I feel, is incredibly important.

. .

And now, of course, I want to ask you: When have you invested in yourself? When have you taken a risk, in full trust and belief that the ROI is definite & incredible? OR. Where are you hesitant to invest in your most full, authentic life - and what would it take to convince your inner banker to believe?