7 Reasons to Invest in Your Own Personal Development During a Recession

Whether you've been made redundant, put on short time or are still in a job, now is a great time to invest in yourself and your future.

It's easy to think; 'times are hard, I'm not going to spend on a luxury like personal development'.This is short-sighted!Investing in yourself means that you will:

1. Be better placed to react when the upturn comes- either to gain promotion or to find a great job.
2. Feel more in control
3. Become stronger and develop your level of resilience
4. Be able to work more effectively
5. Be able to manage stress better
6. Give yourself space to think about who you are and what you want to do (vital if you're 'between jobs')
7. Feel more positive and optimistic about your situation.

All this for a few Dollars and a few hours of your time?You'd be mad to say no!

So, forget the expensive business school courses and check out the lower cost options available to you..

You could:

• Search the internet for free articles, e-books and audio downloads - there are loads of 'freebies' out there thoug, be aware,it is of varying quality and you might not get everything you need.
• Purchase some cost effective self-directed e-workbooks, DVDs and MP3 downloads (Note: many authors who create on-line products also offer support with the products they sell.By carefully selecting the authors and materials you can find you're getting much more than a PDF download for your money.)
• Check out Amazon or e-bay for second hand books and DVDs (or use your local lending library)
• See whether you're entitled to any free courses or training at your local college.
• Check out the range of low-costs courses your local college offers.Some are one day events, others may run over a few weeks either in the day or the evening.
• Sign up for some forums where you can have 'virtual chat' with others who have similar needs and questions.

If it feels hard and difficult right now, things will change. Whatever our financial commentators may say, there is a cycle to all this and although we might not be able to say 'when', we can be assured that things will get better. Why not take control and prepare for that day rather than being pushed around by something and someone which is outside of your control?

Copyright: Sharon Langford 2009. I'm a personal development coach and work with groups and individuals who want to take control of their lives, change, grow and become the best they can be. I offer 1:1 coaching, practical e-workbooks, teleseminars and group workshops. More information can be found at my website: http://www.sharonlangford.com and you can sign up for my free monthly newsletter which has useful hints and tips on personal development and quotes to amuse and inspire ...... you'll also be kept up to date with 'what's new' and up coming events and offers.

Prentice Mulford