The word “cost” gets a bad rap. It often comes with a reflexive wince, followed by a mental calculator running furiously in the background. For women balancing families, careers, businesses, and all the small fires that require our attention, cost can feel like a complete stop, a reason to say “maybe later,” or “I can’t justify this right now.”
But what if we challenged the way we think about cost? What if, instead of seeing it as something that takes from us, we reframed it as an investment in us? A seed we’re planting today for the garden we’ll grow tomorrow. Because every time you invest in yourself, you’re not just spending, you’re declaring something powerful to the world (and to yourself): I am more than worth it. This shift in perspective is not just a change in words, it’s a change in power.
What Does “Cost” Really Mean?
Here’s a pep talk wrapped in a financial truth: the idea of cost doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Sure, when we swipe a credit card or spend a few hours on something, it’s easy to get fixated on what’s leaving: the money, time, or energy. But guess what? There’s also something coming back.
When you take the time for a networking event, hire a coach, or attend a workshop designed to help you clarify your goals, you’re not just “spending” your resources. You’re investing them in your future. Those dollars or minutes are little messengers saying, “I see my potential, and I refuse to shrink it.” Every time you choose yourself, you’re intentionally preparing for what you’ve been dreaming of as possible.
Investing in YOU: Actions That Echo
Think about the moments in life where you did say yes to yourself. Maybe it was attending a conference that introduced you to someone who changed your career path. Or that gym membership you hesitated over, but led to you feeling stronger than ever. Those moments of investment ripple outward—they create opportunities, doors, and relationships you couldn’t see from where you were standing before.
It’s not about frivolous spending or swiping for anything that glimmers. Instead, it’s about making intentional, heart-led decisions. And the beauty is, those decisions aren’t just about what you get. They’re about what you become.
How to Decide What’s Really “Worth It”
Not every opportunity will lead you to your goal! Beware the side quests, which are often time and money wasters. Let’s break down how to determine a genuine investment opportunity when you see one.
Check your alignment. Does this opportunity resonate with who you are or where you want to be? Does it support your growth, your values, and the kind of life you’re working to create? If it feels completely misaligned, it’s okay to pass. But if it gives you goosebumps or ignites that little spark of hope, pay attention.
Look beyond the “now.” Women are wired to think about the immediate impacts, like school drop-offs, project deadlines, and to-do lists. But remind yourself to zoom out. Will this investment bring long-term value to your life? Can you reconnect with the vision of “future you,” tugging at your sleeve, saying it will all be worth it? This is not just about the present, it’s about the future you’re building.Consider the intangible ROI. Growth doesn’t always look like a neatly tracked return on investment. Sometimes, saying yes gifts you something immeasurable—confidence, connection, clarity, or simply the joy of remembering who you are.
Your Dreams Deserve a Line Item
Think about how much energy you put into building the lives of the people around you: your kids, your partner, your clients, your friends. As women, we often take on the role of being the heart of our households and teams, pouring encouragement and resources into others without hesitation. But here’s the thing: how can you keep giving your best if your own reserve is empty?
When you invest in yourself, it’s not selfish; it’s essential. Imagine the ripple effect of you showing up in your fullness, powered by clarity, community, and that undeniable spark of passion.
An Invitation to Say Yes (To You)
So here’s what I’ll leave you with: If there’s an opportunity tugging at your heart – a networking forum, a chance to connect with other like-minded, world-changing women, or a space to grow—don’t automatically dismiss it as a cost. See it for what it truly is: an act of belief in your potential.
Ready to plant those seeds? Your future is already waiting to bloom. Join us on October 22, 2025, for Illuminate: Women Shining With Strength + Purpose and join a community of women just like you who are choosing to invest in themselves and their futures.
