Remember when we were kids? We'd fearlessly dive into new adventures—whether crafting a messy art project, learning an instrument, or inventing a new game on the playground. We were always playing, learning, and growing, unafraid to make mistakes. If someone had told us back then that we couldn't experiment or learn something new, we would have been disappointed, maybe even mad.
Recently, I had a moment that sparked this thought. My husband and I went to Vienna for a quick getaway to celebrate his birthday. With the kids at home, I had a rare chance to reflect. Vienna holds a special place in our hearts; it's where we met at 20, studying abroad, navigating a new city, learning a new language, and pushing ourselves far outside our comfort zones. Those were days filled with growth, exploration, and discovery.
Being back in Vienna brought a wave of nostalgia and a sense of youthfulness. But it also made me question:
Why do we stop investing in our growth as we get older, especially when we reach leadership positions?
This is a recurring theme I hear from my coachees. Many leaders, caught up in their daily responsibilities, realize only after a moment of reflection—or a pointed question—that they have neglected their personal growth.
We’re often busy investing in everyone else—our teams, our business goals, our families—all great things that deserve our attention. But somewhere along the way, many of us stop prioritizing our own development.
The Urgency of Self-Investment in a Rapidly Changing World
As the seasons change, I’ve been thinking a lot about where my time and energy go. A 2020 report by the World Economic Forum found that nearly half (44%) of the skills people need to do their jobs will change by 2025. For those of us leading teams, departments, or entire organizations, this should be a wake-up call. The world is evolving rapidly, and so are the skills required to succeed.
Beyond the professional necessity, there’s the personal joy of growth—being in that stretch zone where learning and development thrive.
My Google Days: Growing Others vs. Growing Myself
During my time at Google, I poured my energy into helping others grow. I developed programs to train aspiring leaders, led internal career coaching for junior employees, and mentored startup founders through the Google for Startups program. I facilitated workshops, volunteered for people initiatives, and genuinely thrived on championing others.
And it was deeply rewarding. I received fantastic feedback from my team, managers, and the startups I mentored. It felt good to know that my efforts were making a difference.
But here’s what I didn’t realize until much later: while I was so focused on everyone else's growth, I had completely overlooked my own.
Don't get me wrong: My goal here is not to brag or to get cookie points for being a self-sacrificing saint. This isn't about getting a pat on the back for being selfless—servant leadership, achieving strategic results, and being a great businessperson are all crucial aspects of leadership. But these qualities can sometimes overshadow the time and space we need for personal development. And when there’s so much to do, our growth is often the first thing to be sidelined.
It wasn’t until I started working with a coach that I finally made time to reflect on my own aspirations and growth areas. I realized my 1:1s with my manager were always about business metrics and my team's progress. My schedule was packed with meetings and deadlines, leaving little room for my personal goals. I was stuck on autopilot.
As one CEO I work with put it: "I was so busy steering the ship that I forgot to check if I still wanted to be the captain."
Ask Yourself: "What Are You De-Prioritizing by Prioritizing Whatever You Are Prioritizing?"
Reflect on your current priorities. Are you investing time each week in building new skills, or are you just coasting on what you already know? Growth doesn’t just happen—it requires deliberate intention and consistent effort.
One of my favorite coaching questions is:
"When you say 'Yes' to one thing, what are you saying 'No' to?"
If you’re always prioritizing the urgent over the important, are you unintentionally saying "No" to investing in yourself?
I often hear potential coachees say they’re waiting for their organization to offer a leadership development program. But here’s the catch: a generic, one-size-fits-all program rarely meets your unique needs—and it might not come when you need it most. When you’re bogged down in "busy work" and no longer feel like you’re in a growth zone, it’s time to take action.
Investing in your growth has a direct ROI. A study by BetterUp found that individuals who invest in their personal development see an average return of $7.5K in increased annual earnings. The same study showed that 68% of people who invest in personal growth reported a higher level of job satisfaction.
Don’t wait for your organization to prepare you for the next step. Take control of your development.
Four Ways to Invest in Yourself
While I continue to invest in my coachees and my business, I’ve realized the importance of dedicating time for my own growth as well. This back-to-school season, I’m making a commitment to focus on my development.
To keep myself in the growth zone, I’m part of a Business of Coaching program, signed up for a content creation course, and enrolled in a AI Analytics program to expand both my business and personal skills. I’ve also decided to brush up on my rusty German and take Irish dance classes to share in the passion my daughter has as a budding Irish dance star. These activities bring me joy, keep me learning, and help me become a better coach, a more effective leader, and the best version of myself.
Here are four ways I maintain my passion for personal development—and I encourage you to try them too:
Sign Up for Something New: Whether it’s a language course like the German class I’m taking or something creative like Irish dance, choose a class or workshop that excites you. With so many options available online and offline, find something that sparks joy and commit to it.
Dive Into Learning: Dedicate time to explore your interests in depth. Read widely—from industry-specific books to thought-provoking articles that challenge your perspective. The broader you read, the more you expand your knowledge and expertise.
Create Space for Reflection: Schedule regular time blocks to allow new ideas and knowledge to settle. This could mean setting aside a few hours each week away from the hustle or planning a "think day" like Bill Gates’ famous "think week." Giving yourself space to reflect is essential for growth.
Experiment and Play: Don’t just absorb new knowledge—apply it in a low-stakes environment. Test out new leadership strategies or try out innovative business ideas. True growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone and learn from both your wins and setbacks.
Join a Community That Values Growth
If you are a leader aspiriring to invest in yourself but don’t know where to start, consider joining my Leadership Mastery Program, Momentum, launching on October 14th. It's designed to help leaders find time and headspace for personal development, career advancement, build resilience, and grow alongside others on the same journey.
Final Thought
When you were a child, investing in yourself came naturally. As a leader, it’s time to reclaim that mindset. Prioritize your growth, step outside your comfort zone, and keep playing, learning, and growing. Your future self—and your organization—will thank you.
--------------------------
Hi! I'm Merve. 👋 I help corporate leaders and business owners build high trust, high performance teams, grow their business impact, and advance their careers.
Here are five ways you can connect with me:
1️⃣ Book a 1:1 Coaching Session: Tailored to your individual goals, I offer in-depth guidance, a focused strategy, and results-oriented accountability to help you navigate your professional and personal challenges for meaningful progress.
2️⃣ Join Signature Leadership Programs: Designed for corporate leaders and business owners at all stages of the leadership journey, these programs blend 1:1 coaching with group workshops and training, equipping you to grow your career, earnings, and business success.
3️⃣ Subscribe to My FREE Monthly Newsletter: Stay updated with the latest in leadership and business with insights and musings delivered directly to your inbox.
4️⃣ Access FREE Worksheets for Leaders: Visit The Worksheets Page to access and download worksheets and workbooks that provide practical exercises for enhancing self-awareness, self-reflection, and fostering positive change in your leadership and team dynamics.
5️⃣ Follow me on LinkedIn: Connect with me on LinkedIn for daily insights, thought-provoking articles, and a community of like-minded professionals committed to continuous growth and leadership excellence. Join the conversation and stay inspired on your leadership journey.