The Return of the King
March has arrived, and with it the springing forth of all things new: blossoms on the trees, grass beneath our feet, flowers whose roots have been lying dormant under a blanket of snow. Our minds are filled with the glory of new potential at this time of year, as the promise of warmer sun-drenched days renews our winter-laden spirits.
Of course, this time of year would not be complete without acknowledging that which creeps up on us every April 15th - Tax Day. As we rush to file our income tax reports, it is natural to consider how well our investments have performed over the past 12 months. Admittedly, I am not endowed with a particularly keen sense of business savvy --- my husband has been blessed in that regard, so I learn from example - but I do find it useful to reflect on those aspects of my life into which I have poured a considerable amount of effort during the year. Have I truly reaped all that I have sown?
The term "return on investment" has a powerful ring to it, and can be applicable across many lines in life. Some investments do not yield a fabulous dividend; just ask any student who has spent countless hours studying for an exam in a subject he knows he will never use again, once graduating from high school. Yet others lead us to places we never dreamed possible, such as the hours spent perfecting one's technique on a musical instrument, only to be offered First Chair in the symphony.
The return one can expect on one's investment is often largely determined by the choice of the investment itself. In a world where time and finances are often limited resources, it is best to choose wisely where we invest our precious energies, for therein lies the true secret of success. Selecting an investment that allows for personal satisfaction, intrinsic growth, intellectual empowerment and space for continual evolution of new goals is almost a guarantee of emerging a winner, on every conceivable level.
In reading an article recently on business investments, I came across the acronym ROI. It took me a moment to realize this stood for "return on investment", for my first thought was that it spelled the French word for "king". I was puzzled at first; then it dawned on me that if we strive to make the return on our emotional investments the KING of our priorities, we will have already set ourselves up for movement in a positive direction. If we treat our chosen investments with the respect and deference usually reserved for royalty, we are giving ourselves permission to prioritize those goals as being of extreme importance. To that end, we will do whatever is necessary to ensure that our return is high.
This year, regardless of the investment in which you choose to place your energies, make it something meaningful, personal, and above all, attainable. Set your sights on the positive aspects of the return, and focus on making it happen. We can reap what we sow, and we do possess the power to rise to the heights of kings. Tap into the royalty deep within your soul, and watch your empire grow!
Posted: February 27, 2012.
Read her other articles:
All Self Improvement Articles & Columns
Embrasing The Battle Wounds
Spreading The Joy
Spring Cleaning!
Stop The Insanity!
Strengthening the Soul: The Power of Human Connection
Eliminating the F.E.A.R. Factor
Self-Control: Ally or Antagonist?
The Fine Art of Losing
Let it be (stress less)
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of WHAT?
Cathleen Kronemer is our writer for our self-improvement column and you can read many articles she has written in our print magazine. Cathleen Kronemer has been in the fitness industry for 21 years. She is an AFAA-Certified Group Exercise Instructor, an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer, freelance writer and microbiologist. Cathleen has been a competitive bodybuilder since 2005, and has been blessed with 19 trophies. She credits bodybuilding with helping her stay focused on her journey towards recovery from anorexia, and is currently training for competition in 2011. Cathleen resides in St. Louis, MO, where she is employed by the Jewish Community Center. And for all those that have asked, yes, this is Cathleen in the above picture!
