2 (quick) steps to feeling more fulfilled—today

Investing in activities you value and enjoy sets you up for a more fulfilling future. Equally as important, this practice creates a more joyous and fulfilling present as well.

We know this, yet we often get so caught up in the busyness of today’s tasks and obligations that we forget ourselves along the way.

This was true for me recently, and I want to share how making a small self-investment “brought me back” into my life, helped me feel grounded, and benefited my creativity, health, and sense of belonging.

Here's what my process looked like and how you can do the same.

1 thing to apply

Today’s practice is to make a small investment in what you value.

(While this can be a financial investment, it doesn't have to be. There are many ways you can invest time and energy into yourself that are both free and valuable. As always, find what works for you.)

3 main benefits

• Making a small investment in yourself builds awareness and confidence.
• Trying new activities can spark joy, playfulness, creativity, and lightheartedness.
• Engaging in hobbies you love releases stress, provides grounding, and promotes ease.

5 minutes or less

Consider what you can do today to invest in something that will nourish you, bring you joy, or align with what you value. Then make a small investment that leads to immediate action.

Low-cost examples ($):

• Sign up for that exercise program you’ve been thinking about
• Get tickets to the event you’ve been eyeing up (even if it means going solo)
• Purchase the art supplies that have been sitting in your online cart for the last 3 weeks

No-cost examples:

Your action doesn't need to feel like a “peak experience” for it to be worthwhile, nor does it need to cost anything. You can use supplies, spaces, skills, and other resources you already have to do this for free.

• Go for a walk without your phone
• Write in your journal or in a notebook
• Commit to a consistent sleep schedule
• Lay in the grass at the park or in your yard
• Sit on a bench and observe your environment
• Practice a hobby you love or have wanted to try

A personal example:

Two months ago, I wrote about time tracking and shared free templates you can use. Last week, I used a template to calculate the amount of time I spend on-screen building Intentional Productivity versus in-person in my community. Needless to say, I didn’t like the result.

As much as I believe in my work, I also highly value community and connection, and I realized there was a big gap between my values and my everyday routines. So, after observing—and feeling—my frustration and guilt, I decided to take immediate action.

My small investment? I signed up for a local herbal medicine making workshop. (I love gardening and learning/talking about plants.)

The results weren't revolutionary by any means, but they were enough to make me feel like me again (and maybe that is revolutionary):

1. I was pleasantly surprised by how energized I felt during and after the event.
2. I made new connections, putzed around a beautiful garden (my happy place), and found new ways to reconnect with nature.
3. And I left feeling grateful for my community, comfortable in my skin, and excited about this new interest unfolding.

Money, time, and energy well spent!

Conclusion: A small self-investment makes a big difference. And, in case you needed the reminder, you are worth the investment.

What small investment will you make in yourself today? Let me know by hitting reply or tag me on Instagram @intentionalproductivity or Twitter @melissasteginus to share. I'd love to hear about it.

Your time and energy are your most precious resources. As always, thank you for sharing some of yours with me today.

See you in two weeks!

— Melissa

Want to dive deeper? Here are 3 ways I can help:

1. If you want more clarity and focus, I'd recommend starting with our affordable self-paced courses:

• Intentional Productivity Masterclass: How to Find and Focus on the Right Things
• Self Care + Productivity Masterclass: Reduce Stress and Do More of What Matters
• Making Big Picture Decisions: 6 Expert Practices for Clarity and Confidence
• Self Coaching Bundle Deal: full access to all courses at a discounted rate

2. If you're ready to build a full-scale personal productivity system, join our live 5-week program.

3. Want self care and mindfulness resources? Check out my books:

• Everyday Mindfulness: 108 Simple Practices to Empower Yourself and Transform Your Life
• Self Care at Work: How to Reduce Stress, Boost Productivity, and Do More of What Matters