Investing in yourself is the most powerful decision you'll ever make
Even when the course you bought is a complete disaster.
Look, I have spent a ridiculous amount on online courses, coaching, books, Notion templates, you name it. I’m a hoarder. Not a hoarder of physical things but of ‘intellectual’ things. (I’m unsure if intellectual is even the right word; it's just non-physical things.)
And I am, again, on the fence about investing in a rather expensive 16-week training program, this time to learn the art and business of ghostwriting.
One week ago, I was on my yoga mat practicing yoga/meditation when suddenly, ‘ghostwriting’ popped up. This is not my first time considering this profession—I mentioned it in one of my first TBM editions. I even wrote some LinkedIn posts for a friend and liked it. But at that time, I was still thinking more of social media ghostwriting, such as writing LinkedIn or Twitter posts for others. And since I can’t seem to enjoy those platforms, I didn’t seem aligned with my goals.
Now that I have discovered my love for long-form articles here on Substack, I have started reconsidering. Maybe I could do this for others, too? I could leverage my writing skills more and keep TBM as my passion project without the pressure of monetizing it.
I love the idea of writing educational email courses. These are sequels of 5—to 7-day email courses that go in-depth on a certain problem or topic. They are clearly defined writing projects with clear goals. And I would learn something new every time—something I want and need in my life.
So yes, I’m seriously considering this investment. But I promised myself not to decide on the spot anymore and to leave at least two more days in between. I will do more research and check in with myself 48 hours later to see if I’m still as excited about it.
If there’s one thing true business people are good at, it’s selling their courses. Yeez louise, it’s always so convincing, I want to say yes before I know the price. And that is their WHOLE tactic, of course - which is fine because that’s how good sales work.
However, I’ve invested too much money in bad courses, so I need to give myself this extra time to decide and let nobody pressure me. After those bad experiences, I always blamed myself for being stupid to get caught, wasting precious money, and not gaining anything.
But bad experiences always yield something: growth and a bit more wisdom.
You see, I learned a lot from these bad and expensive experiences. I’m not walking head over heels into something anymore. And I still believe investing in yourself to grow is very powerful, because I made some awesome investments in myself as well. I’ve also learned to speak up and give feedback when something is not worth the price (in my opinion) and why I’m disappointed. Also, the more expensive something is, the more I care and gain as much as possible. Use every resource available.
With cheaper or free courses, you just don’t care as much. Free PDFs and free online courses on a gazillion different portals, and Notion templates are stored everywhere on my computer. I’m a hoarder of digital objects - that’s the word I was looking for.
I’m obsessed with improving myself, so I want to grab every shiny object dangling in front of my nose that promises me one sort of improvement. And you can really get me when you promise ‘focus, flow and productivity’ or, even better, ‘find your purpose, manifest your dreams’.
Beautiful promises. I want these things so badly that it gets a bit unhealthy. So, I need to step back from all these shiny digital objects. The way to find my purpose and flow is to turn inward and not let outside things dictate how I act and spend my money. I love learning, but I love doing something worthwhile even more.
So, I will try to connect to my inner voice and decide this weekend whether I want to pursue a career as a newsletter ghostwriter and make this investment as a step in that direction. In my head, it already sounds like the perfect combination: I keep 60% of my work as a freelance product manager, I have my passion project in TBM for 20%, and with the rest of my time and energy, I start a professional side business as a ghostwriter.
But now I must figure out if my heart is also in it.
Earnings Week 32
I have not been very active this week on Substack. Growth was slow again. It’s actually one of the slowest growth weeks ever. But I’m okay with this.
Here is the excel:
Are you interested in joining a Substack Mastermind to learn from some of the most inspiring creators on this platform? Send me a message, and I’ll introduce you so we can see if you are a fit!
P.S. I get a commission on every new member I introduce and decide to join the Mastermind.
Something fun
Recently, I was a model for a photo shoot for my friend's company. The new website has launched, and it looks fantastic! If you are into ultra-running, you should check it out! Ultra Trail Coaching
Have a lovely weekend,
With love,
Marie
x
When I want to buy something I put it on my "no-buy" list. I leave it there for at least a week and if I still want it after a week I can have it. I do this for small things like books and bigger things too. Most of the time I fully forget something was even on that list. But if I still want it, then at least I'm sure it's not an impulse buy.
ugh this hit me big time. ive also spent/invested/wasted so much money on online courses over the years. and the trap is that if you dont get the promised goal you feel like you did something wrong. which keeps so many people from speaking out if a course was crap.
but then i wonder, was it really a waste? maybe you didnt get what you wanted within 30 days or whatever was promised, but maybe each new skill is adding up over time and just takes a lot, lot longer to see any tangible results. i dont know.
thank you for this one. gives me lots to chew on :)