If you invest in yourself while becoming an entrepreneur, your business will grow. I know, the concept seems wild when you’re struggling (or afraid you’re going to struggle) to bring in money. Of course, it seems counterintuitive to spend money while you’re trying to earn.

When you look at it that way, it doesn’t seem logical to buy into new programs or upgrade your wardrobe.

What exactly, though, is the difference between these investments and, say, earning a college degree? Aren’t you paying for the investment in yourself so eventually you can earn more money than if you hadn’t?

So why do entrepreneurs avoid investing in themselves?

I wish I had the answer. Instead, I’ll show you three solid ways you can invest in yourself and the reasons you’ll be thrilled you did.

Investment option 1: Develop your Creativity

Most of us haven’t worked toward maximizing our own creativity. Exercises in pursuit of creative juices are often seen as frivolous or extracurricular. Poetry, painting, singing or play are all seen as habits of the broke and starving artists. In truth, we don’t see the benefit of tapping into our own personal stash of inventiveness without intentionally changing our mindset and thinking about why it might be the best idea ever.

Practically speaking, honing in on creativity allows you to come up with multiple ways to view anything: a piece of trash, the cloud floating over your house, your husband’s use of the word provocative.

But what about the business problem you’re facing for the first time?

You mean to tell me, Becky, creativity can help me come up with multiple solutions for the problems I face in my business?

Freaking right.

Need a few more ideas on where to start?

• Gardening
• Learn French (or Spanish, German or Italian…whatever)
• Take a cooking class
• Do something you’ve never done before

Investment option 2: Skill Expansion

As I first mentioned, higher education is an option here, but I don’t think it’s necessary all the time (bring out the firing squad).

You can improve your skills without years of schooling. (Plenty of development courses are out there for coaches and entrepreneurs that take much less time and are career-field specific, packing far more of a punch than gen eds at the community college.)

But skill expansion can take many forms outside of courses too: reading a book by an expert, working with your own coach on a new program, continuing to practice selling your services to current clients. Workshops and conferences not only help you gain knowledge, but they also help you grow your community and network. Articles are cool too (and YouTube videos).

Every option I’ve listed can help expand your content knowledge, but it also keeps you on top of the latest trends too.

Investment option 3: Support your mind and body

Taking care of your beautiful brain and bod will give you more of everything, ease and energy now and more time in the future. Self-care allows you to be less stressed and more strategic, and you’re going to look mighty fine in that swimsuit, sexy.

Learning new things is one way to support your mind. But learning ways to deal with the not-so-wonderful pieces of life is also a way to take care of your brain.

Exercise and healthy, nourishing foods take care of the bod. You can’t sit around at your computer ALL day and expect the girls to remain perky or your thigh gap dreams to come true (gross, by the way).

What you eat makes or breaks your energy and performance levels.

And how often you rest (read: as much as possible) helps you relax through the stress so your system doesn’t go into overdrive and blow up.

One thing most people consider enough is buying clothes that make you feel like a goddess. If you feel like you look good, you’re much more likely to take care of your body. I’m NOT implying plastic surgery or padding underwear, but there’s something to be said for wearing a skirt that makes you feel like a million bucks.

Confidence doesn’t pay attention to price tags. It just knows when it feels good.

Need more reason to spend money on yourself?

Personal investments help your career.

When you invest in yourself, you’re increasing the value your clients see in you (as your skill set and your confidence grows). If your clients see more value in your education and expertise, you’re able to earn more money.

Knowledge sets you apart from your competition, presents you as an expert, builds your confidence and brings in bank.