You Say You Want Success, But Do You Really?
I see it all the time, people who claim they want to break into an industry, build a brand, or level up in their career, but when it comes time to actually invest in themselves? Suddenly, there’s hesitation. They’ll drop thousands on designer bags, the latest sneakers, or a quick getaway but will side-eye the price of a program, mentorship, or professional service that could actually change their life.
And let’s be clear, I have zero issue with luxury. If it’s important to you, you’ll find the money. But the same logic applies to your growth. If success is what you really want, why are you hesitating when it comes to investing in it?
You’ll Always Pay—It’s Just a Matter of How
There’s no way around it: success comes at a cost. You either pay upfront with money, time, and effort, or you pay later with years of struggle, mistakes, and missed opportunities.
Think about it:
A doctor doesn’t become a surgeon by scrolling TikTok. They invest years and thousands of dollars into education.
A professional athlete doesn’t just show up on game day. They invest in coaches, training, and top-tier equipment.
A successful entrepreneur doesn’t scale to six or seven figures by cutting corners. They invest in strategy, systems, and the right team.
But somehow, people think they can finesse their way to the top without making the same kind of investments. They want expert-level results with a DIY mentality.
You Can Get in the Room, But Can You Stay?
Let’s say you do manage to finesse your way into the room without putting in the work. Let’s say you get the opportunity, the meeting, or the connection without the proper understanding, training, or preparation.
Guess what? You won’t be invited to stay.
The moment you open your mouth, the people who actually belong in that space will know you don’t. Industry professionals can spot an unprepared, underdeveloped person immediately. You’ll be identified as a fraud, and your name will carry that reputation. And in many industries, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.
I’ve seen it firsthand. I’ve had clients who were talented but didn’t invest in the skills and knowledge they needed. They got the opportunity—but when it came time to deliver, they weren’t ready. Meanwhile, the people who took the time to prepare, to invest in mentorship and training, weren’t just in the room, they were running it.
So what’s the alternative? Be ready when the door opens. Invest in your skills, knowledge, and strategy so that when the opportunity comes, you don’t just show up, you show out.
Luxury Over Legacy? Priorities Matter.
Here’s where it gets frustrating, some of y’all will gladly pay full price at Louis Vuitton with no questions asked, but the moment a professional names their rate, you’re negotiating, asking for a discount, or “waiting until the next paycheck.”
Worse, some will hire the help they need but won’t pay on time. They’ll ghost invoices, come up with excuses, or expect premium results while dragging their feet on payments. But let’s be real, you wouldn’t pull that at Chanel or with your car note. So why do it with the people helping you build your future?
Ways to Start Investing in Yourself Today
If you’re reading this thinking, I get it, but I genuinely can’t afford it right now, I hear you. But the truth is, you don’t have to be rich to start investing in yourself. It’s about prioritizing what will actually move you forward. Here are a few ways you can start today:
Invest in Education: Read books, take online courses, or attend industry conferences. Knowledge is your greatest asset.
Find a Mentor or Coach: The right guidance can save you years of trial and error. If you can’t afford a coach yet, follow and engage with people who inspire you.
Surround Yourself With the Right People: Network with people who are already where you want to be. If you’re always the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.
Respect the Professionals You Hire: If you pay for help, respect the process. Show up prepared, meet deadlines, and pay on time.
Wealth vs. Scarcity: Which Mindset Do You Have?
The real difference between people who win and people who stay stuck? Mindset.
People with a wealth mindset see investing in themselves as a stepping stone to greater success. They know that money spent on growth will multiply in return.
People with a scarcity mindset see every dollar spent as a loss and stay trapped in a cycle of hesitation, wondering why they’re not making progress.
You can’t expect six- or seven-figure success while making broke-minded decisions.
So Be Honest With Yourself…
Are you treating your future like a priority or an afterthought?
Are you expecting professional results with a hobbyist mindset?
Are you saying you can’t afford to invest in yourself, or are you just choosing not to?
Because at the end of the day, you’re either in the game or you’re not. And if you really want to win? You’re going to have to pay to play.
If you’re serious about leveling up and making real moves this year, let’s talk. Whether you need strategy, branding, or business direction, I help ambitious professionals and entrepreneurs take their skills and brands to the next level. DM me or book a consultation, and let’s get you in the right rooms, the right way.
