NOT INVESTING IN yourself is like floating down a fast river without a paddle, a map or knowledge of what's around the next bend. Things may go fine for a while, but at some point, you're going to realise you made a giant mistake.

To avoid such unforeseen disaster, you need to make a proactive and thoughtful investment in a plan for achieving your career ? and life ?goals. And if that isn’t enough to convince you, here’s why investing in your career is a must:

The best return on investment

The return on improving yourself is astronomically higher than any financial investment you could make. From increased lifetime earning power and unimagined opportunities, to protecting yourself from unemployment and the satisfaction that comes from personal growth and success, the returns are enormous.

You’re the boss of You Inc.

If you’re the president and CEO of You Inc., it’s your job to ensure you don’t go out of business. It’s your job to nurture prosperity and growth.You do this by planning carefully, performing consistently, operating true to your mission and investing in You Inc.

You become more valuable

Draw up two balance sheets for yourself. On the first, list your financial assets and liabilities. On the second, list your professional skills, ideas, knowledge, marketability, personal networks, passion and ability to make things happen. Increase your personal net worth by investing in your second list ? that’s how you’ll increase the assets on your first list.

You can be great

You are capable of greatness. Most of us settle for just getting by, using a fraction of our capabilities. This is tragic. Realise your greatness by identifying your talents and investing in your potential.

You can achieve your goals

Your career and life goals are far too important to be just wishes. A mismanaged career can derail your life goals. Investing in yourself dramatically increases the probability of achieving your goals and is a real demonstration of your commitment to achieving them.

Your career is yours to mould

Investing in yourself gives you the clarity, power and tools to create your own future and take the path less travelled. Sometimes, investing means taking a risk, but that’s the price of entry for success and happiness.

Because the world is complex

You cannot know everything you need to know or do everything you need to do alone. You can’t be your best without help. Find those who can teach you.

Life is too short for mediocrity

You don’t have the luxury of being mediocre. Determine where you are mediocre and get help.

How to invest in your career

Invest in understanding yourself better and developing your plans, knowledge, career management skills, networks, and your personal profile. Do it yourself, or pay experts to do it for you. Try thinking, planning, reading, getting coached, acquiring skills and marketing yourself. Recognise that investing in yourself often requires that you don't play it safe.

For more advice, log on towww.monsterindia.com