What Was I Waiting For?

I don’t know why I waited so long!

Finally I have rejoined the club of laptop owners. I know that sounds a little silly, but it has already made my life easier and I only just got this thing yesterday.

When the world ended in 2020 and the kids were distance learning, we sprung for a Chromebook because we only had one slow computer that would have been difficult for all three of us to share. It served a great purpose during that time.

Now when I use the Chromebook for remote work 5 years later, I feel frustrated by its limitations.

So I invested in a new laptop with more capabilities so that I would have an easier time working remotely. And wouldn’t you know, I immediately felt compelled to work outside on the porch before it got stupid end-of-July-hot out. I’m already reaping the benefits; immediate dividends!

It’s the little things like the keyboard having more natural functionality. The screen is larger. The processing is faster…

I could have allowed myself to continue struggling with the limited Chromebook. Instead I decided not to feel guilty about investing in myself.

Sometimes you need that monetary investment to make you really invest the time. Now that I spent the money on this thing, I am going to make damn sure I use it! I am going to write from the porch where I can feel the breeze and watch the kids play. I am going to bring it to the lake and stay longer because I can still get my work done without having to work on a postage stamp size computer. I am going to get my money’s worth.

To be sure, I don’t want to use this as an excuse to become a workaholic and work all the time. On the contrary, I will use it to create space to allow me to work in different locations more effectively and happily. 

(I don't want to regret doing things sooner. Overworking will not be one of those things.)

There are things you might be hesitating to do because of the time investment or the monetary investment. You probably have been talking yourself out of it like I was. Take the plunge. Do the thing you have been neglecting to do for yourself. Don’t kick yourself for waiting so long.

As women, we often feel selfish taking for ourselves. We have to rationalize and justify and defend our reasoning. A little of that is okay because you don’t want to be impulsive about big ticket purchases or flippant about wasting your time. But when it becomes a habit to constantly deny yourself of the things that you desire, that is not serving you well at all. You deserve to invest in yourself. You shouldn't have to wonder why you waited so long. 

Professional coaching happens to be one of those investments that women deny themselves because the investment is too much or there isn’t enough time. Think of it like a gym membership and you have a trainer that you are scheduled to meet with. You are paying the monthly fee and you get the training built in. You aren’t going to blow off the money or the trainer, so you show up for yourself in the process. It’s all about accountability.

As for me, I am going to keep myself accountable to this new computer. Writing this blog on the porch with my new laptop is just the beginning…