By Wayne Weiner, D.Ed.
It’s funny how we often invest in everything except ourselves. We’ll invest in stocks, real estate, and even that overpriced juicer sitting in the corner of the kitchen (you know, the one you swore would turn you into a health guru). But when it comes to personal development — actually working on ourselves — that seems to be where we draw the line. Why is that? Maybe we’re worried the return on investment won’t be as immediate as that first sip of celery juice.
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on the concept of personal development and whether there’s any solid data that shows it actually pays off. After all, does the universe really reward those of us who listen to podcasts about productivity on our morning commute? Is it possible that all those self-help books gathering dust on the shelf were actually worth the $16.99 after all?
From my years coaching individuals across various industries, I can tell you — yes, it does pay off. And not just in “feel-good” ways. We’re talking real, measurable success.
Take one client of mine, for example. We’ll call him “Bob” (mostly because I like the name Bob). Bob was a mid-level manager who decided to stop coasting and dive into leadership development. He spent a few months taking online courses, reading books on management, and practicing his public speaking by giving presentations to his dog (hey, whatever works). Before long, Bob was promoted to an executive role, leading an entire team and — more importantly — getting a much nicer parking spot.
Then there was another individual I coached who started as a technical expert. Let’s call her “Sue” (because it pairs nicely with Bob). Sue took every opportunity to learn. She read books, attended seminars, and even spent her weekends binge-watching Impact Theory on YouTube (which I’m sure her spouse found delightful). Fast forward a few years, and Sue successfully transitioned into a leadership role, influencing not just her team but the entire culture of her organization. All that investment in herself finally paid off — and her team no longer looked at her like she was a robot programmed to spout out tech jargon.
Now, I’m sure some of you might be wondering, “Wayne, is there any actual research on this?” Well, here’s where things get interesting: There is data, but it’s the kind that you already know deep down. James Clear, in his book Atomic Habits, talks about how tiny improvements over time lead to massive gains. He likens it to compounding interest — but for your brain. Carol Dweck, in Mindset, makes it even simpler: if you believe you can grow, you will. I think it’s safe to say that spending time on personal development isn’t just a fad; it’s like getting a gym membership for your mind. And unlike that juicer, this is something you’ll actually use.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Okay, Wayne, I get it. I should invest in myself. But where do I start?” I’m so glad you asked! Let me recommend a couple of resources that have been game-changers for many of the people I’ve worked with:
Books: If you haven’t read Atomic Habits by James Clear yet, it’s time to stop procrastinating (seriously, put down the juicer manual). And if you’ve ever wondered why some people seem to thrive in adversity, check out Mindset by Carol Dweck. It’s like a roadmap for resilience.
YouTube Channels: Want to get motivated while scrolling through YouTube? Check out Tom Bilyeu’s Impact Theory. It’s packed with interviews from some of the sharpest minds in the world. And if you’re into leadership, Simon Sinek’s Leadership Insights is the next best thing to getting a personal coaching session from the man himself.
Now, I’d love to hear from you. Have you found any other books, podcasts, or channels that have made a difference in your life? Or perhaps a personal development hack that’s worked wonders? Share the wealth — you never know whose life you’ll change with a simple recommendation.
Until then, keep investing in yourself. Trust me, you’re worth it.
About Wayne Weiner, D.Ed.
Wayne Weiner is an author, philosopher, and worldwide consultant known for his innovative coaching actions. He can be contacted at wweiner20@gmail.com. Immanuel Kant once stated, “Moral dilemmas are not a mathematical system of good and evil.” In other words, doing “good” does not have an immediate payoff. Dr. Weiner has over forty years of leadership and organizational development experience. He was the Director of Education at Harvard Teaching Hospital and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. He later set up his own consulting firm, providing human resource services to the federal government, colleges, universities, Native American communities, international corporations, and even a White House cabinet member. Dr. Weiner has also served as a Senior Leadership Consultant to the National Institutes of Health and has written over 20 novels. For more insights, visit drweinerinsights.com.