Too often, we let ourselves slip to the bottom of the priority list. But when you start to think of yourself as your most valuable asset and begin to protect this asset, you will perform at your best and increase your value.
- Keep yourself healthy. You can’t perform at your best if you don’t take care of yourself. Start with the simple things you already know you should do: eat the right foods, drink water, exercise regularly, get enough restful sleep, etc. See your doctor and take care of small issues before they become big problems.
- Have sufficient insurance to manage risk. Coverage usually includes health insurance; long-term care insurance; life insurance; property and casualty insurance; liability insurance; and professional insurance.
- Invest in yourself to stay valuable, both for the short term and long term. Work on ways to be consistently productive in your work. Learn new skills or take training that will help in your current job/career or that will prepare you for a future one. Consider additional education or an advanced degree to help expand your abilities and potential.
- Have contingency plans. Plan for the unexpected. Start paying off debts and building an emergency fund. Keep your resumé updated. Expand your professional contacts in your current industry or one you would like to pursue by attending networking functions and using social media like LinkedIn.
When you take care of yourself, protect yourself and invest in yourself, you will perform better, become more valuable, and will be more prepared if your future takes an unexpected turn.