The True Cost of Ownership
When you finally but your first car or become a homeowner, there's more expenses than just the initial purchase. You have to budget for fixing the washing machine, replacing tires, insurance, or taking your car to the shop (hopefully not too often).
You may also want to invest in upgrades—new flooring, a larger kitchen, a patio space, etc. These investments are necessary for maintaining and improving the value of your possessions. Will you own your life or let your life own you?
Own Your Life
But what about the cost of owning your life?
Taking intentional steps to maintain and enhance your well-being. Have you considered what it takes to both maintain and enhance your personal well-being?
Are you setting aside the time, energy, and resources to:
Fix What’s Breaking: This could be seen as what I like to call ‘heroic maintenance’ (a term a good friend used and stuck for me). This idea is about addressing and reframing the issues that we usually take for granted or put off. If left unattended too long though, could lead to bigger problems. Switching our mindset to actively tackling the maintenance moves us to the next point.
Invest in Self-Improvement: Proactive steps to make yourself better—whether it’s through learning upskilling, seeking professional guidance, or engaging in self-care practices. The growth the business, the trajectory of family, the health of your life often comes back to your health. I have personally seen a multiplication of return from the investment of Self-Improvement.
The Science of Maintenance and Improvement
1. Heroic Maintenance: Fixing What’s Breaking
Neglecting your car's oil change can lead to the engine seizing up and failing. Sometimes this maintenance can be a huge headache. My car has been in the shop all year from random issues like water leaking into the car, the fuel system going out etc. - but if I never took it in, I doubt the car would function at all. Similarly, ignoring your mental and emotional health can lead to significant issues.
Research in psychology indicates that regular maintenance, such as therapy or counseling, can prevent mental health crises and promote long-term well-being (Cuijpers et al., 2014). Engaging in these practices regularly is akin to routine maintenance that keeps your life running smoothly.
*Ease of access to adequate care is a challenge.
As a startup Life Coaching Practice we do have a community offer for a low monthly rate to provide access to more indepth resources at a much lower rate than sessions.
Additionally, therapists and counselors offer rates on a sliding scale depending on income.
2. Investing in Self-Improvement
Investing in yourself is not just a luxury; it's a necessity.
Neuroscience research shows that continuous learning and skill development enhance brain plasticity, keeping your mind sharp and adaptable (Park & Bischof, 2013). Taking classes, engaging in new hobbies, or working with a coach can significantly impact your cognitive health and emotional resilience.
A Few Practical Steps to Own Your Life
Budget for Maintenance: Allocate time and money for regular check-ins with a psychologist or counselor. This proactive approach can help you manage stress and prevent burnout.
UpSkill: Enroll in a new class each quarter. Whether it's a professional development course or a personal interest, continuous learning keeps your brain engaged and growing.
Seek Professional Guidance: Consider hiring a coach or professional in your area of desired development to help you navigate challenges and set achievable goals. Coaches can provide valuable insights and accountability, helping you stay on track.
The Benefits of Regular Maintenance and Investment
Improved Mental Health: Regular maintenance can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life (Hofmann et al., 2012).
Enhanced Cognitive Function: Continuous learning and skill development boost cognitive abilities and delay cognitive decline (Stern, 2012).
Greater Life Satisfaction: Investing in personal growth and development increases overall life satisfaction and happiness (Lyubomirsky et al., 2005).
Community Challenge:
Reflect on how you are budgeting for your personal maintenance and improvement.
Share your strategies and experiences in the community. How have you benefited from regular maintenance and investment in yourself?
Prompt for Growth:
Identify and Reflect: Think about the last time you invested in your mental or emotional health. What steps did you take, and how did it impact your life?
Share and Support: Post your experience in the community and read others’ stories. What regular maintenance practices do they follow? How do they invest in self-improvement?
Plan for Action: Based on your reflection and the community's insights, develop a plan to incorporate regular maintenance and self-improvement into your routine. What specific actions will you take?
The Key Takeaway
Owning your life means budgeting for both maintenance and improvement. The choice is clear: Own your life, invest in your well-being, and unlock your potential. Don’t let life own you—take the wheel and drive towards the life you truly desire. No matter your circumstances, I want to empower your that your actions have the power to positively impact your life. Commit to the heroic maintenance of fixing what’s breaking, bring friends and help in on your journey, and invest in growth and development. Let’s grow together by valuing our well-being and continuous improvement. ❤️🔥🥊
References:
Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Weitz, E., Andersson, G., Hollon, S. D., Van Straten, A., & Watts, S. (2014). The Effects of Psychotherapy for Adult Depression Are Overestimated. Psychological Bulletin, 140(4), 750-791.
Park, D. C., & Bischof, G. N. (2013). The Aging Mind: Neuroplasticity in Response to Cognitive Training. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 15(1), 109-119.
Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427-440.
Stern, Y. (2012). Cognitive Reserve in Ageing and Alzheimer's Disease. The Lancet Neurology, 11(11), 1006-1012.
Lyubomirsky, S., Sheldon, K. M., & Schkade, D. (2005). Pursuing Happiness: The Architecture of Sustainable Change. Review of General Psychology, 9(2), 111-131.
Music by
Greg Murray
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