Stop the Splurge, Start the Smarts

Frances Gallagher Author

Dec 28, 2024 |

Stop the Splurge, Start the Smarts: Guide on how to Invest in Your Skills for a Brighter New Year

Stop the Splurge, Start the Smarts

Happy New Year, everyone! As we wave goodbye to another year and gear up for the next, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our habits—especially our spending habits. We’ve all been there, tempted by the endless sales and the thrill of snagging a bargain. But this year, I’m here to champion a new kind of resolution: Stop the Splurge, Start the Smarts.

Rethink Your Spending ...

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying something new. That certainly resonates with me. That quick dopamine hit when you purchase something on impulse can feel rewarding, but let's be honest: how long does that feeling really last?

More often than not, those spur-of-the-moment buys end up forgotten, collecting dust, or hidden away in the back of a wardrobe. This year, let’s channel that impulse into something that gives back to you in the long run—your personal and professional growth.

Feed Your Brain, Not Your Closet

Imagine redirecting the money you’d typically spend on yet another pair of shoes or a new gadget towards learning a new skill, picking up a Business Management or Business Administration QQI Major Award, or single course certification, for example, diving into Digital Marketing. These are skills that won’t just sit in your wardrobe; they’ll open new doors, enhance your CV, and expand your horizons.

• Investing in your education is investing in your future.

• Every new skill you learn not only boosts your confidence but also increases your opportunities in the job market.

• The more you know, the more valuable you become—as a professional and as a person.

Make Learning Your New Habit

This year, make learning a part of your daily routine and keep it fun. Set aside time each week to focus on acquiring and refining new skills. Lir’s Online courses, webinars, workshops and digital downloads - there are countless resources at your fingertips on our website, many of which are free or low-cost or have flexible-payment options. The investment is minimal compared to the long-term benefits you’ll reap AND most of all the specialised training you receive from a Private Training Provider #Support Private Training Providers.

Stay Motivated

Staying motivated can be challenging, especially when you’re breaking old habits and forming new ones. It's too easy to give up, unless you have a team who are actively there to get you started again. Here are a few tips to keep your learning journey on track:

• Set Clear Goals: What do you want to achieve by the end of the New Year? Do you want to be skilled in Business Management, Business Administration, or as a Trainer (Training and Development Award)? Proficient in Bookkeeping or Payroll Level 5 or Level 6 software? In-Company Training. Clear goals will guide your learning and give you milestones to celebrate.

• Create a Learning Schedule: Just like you might schedule a gym session, pencil in your learning time. Consistency is key. There are plenty of Weekly and Monthly Planners as digital downloads on our website.

• Join Lir Community: Learning doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Join Lir Connect: Courses, Careers and Growth on Facebook to keep that momentum going, or our new public Lir Online Learning Community starting early in 2025, where you can share progress and get plenty of support.

• Reward Yourself: Celebrate your milestones—the wonderful feeling of receiving a reward - whether it’s completing a course or mastering a new skill. These victories, big or small, can serve as motivation to keep going, and we are here to celebrate with you and keep that momentum up.

Inspire Others

Share your journey with others. Whether it’s through social media, a blog, or just chatting with friends, talking about your experiences can inspire others to start their own learning adventures.

Plus, teaching is a great way to deepen your understanding of a subject, that’s why one of our most popular courses is the 6S3372 Training & Development for those who want to teach others.

Let’s Make It Happen

So, before you click "add to cart" on something you don’t need, remember that the best investment you can make is in yourself.

This year, let’s Stop the Splurge and Start the Smarts. Let’s make smart spending on smart learning the trend that defines your year. Who's with me?

Let’s transform our lives one skill at a time. I’m here if you want to meet me online, email frances@lirbusinesscentre.com or on the phone Lir Reception (044) 9342754 to discuss your options. So here’s to a smarter, more successful New Year!

Categories: : Lir