Hey friend,
Last week, I shared how I doubled my incomeâand the response? Whew. The comments, the DMs, the forwards to your friends and network⌠I see you. â¤ď¸
So today, weâre diving into Part 2: two game-changing habits that helped me grow not just my income, but my confidence and career direction. These are practical tips you can easily apply.
Letâs get into it đđž
đ 3. Upskilling (Every. Single. Year.)
Every year, I focus on improving one key skillâand it doesn't always have to be through a certified course. The goal is simple: to keep investing in myself.
For example:
In 2022, I took a Diploma in Digital Marketing to get a strong grip on email marketing, paid search, and performance metrics.
In 2024, I upskilled with a Data Analysis for Management diploma to learn SQL, Tableau, and data modellingâall critical for the next stage of my career.
And in 2025, Iâve taken a course on Leading Teams with Empathyâbecause leadership is a skill, and I want to be a better manager.
One way to start this journey?
Do a Skills Auditâeither once or twice a year. Hereâs how:
đ How to Run a Quick Skills Audit
Study the Path
Find someone on LinkedIn whoâs doing what you want to be doing in 1â3 years.
Look through their profile: What skills do they list? What courses or certifications have they completed? What kind of work are they sharing?
Ask for Feedback
Book time with your manager or mentor.
Ask: âWhat skills would you recommend I develop to prepare for a promotion or leadership role?â
Donât just listenâtake notes and create a plan.
Review Your Role Requirements
Look at job descriptions for roles you're aiming for next.
Highlight recurring skills you donât have or tools you know how to use yet. Thatâs your gap.
Pick ONE Skill to Focus On
Choose a skill that will have real impactânot just whatâs trendy.
This could be technical (e.g., data analysis) or soft (e.g., public speaking, people management).
Remember: this isnât about collecting certificates for your wall. Itâs about building skills that move the needleâin your confidence, career growth, and earning potential.
đ§ 4. Mindful Spending
I used to spend money emotionally, especially on impulse buying. If I was tired or stressed⌠that checkout button was getting clicked.
But now? I spend with intention.
Hereâs whatâs helped:
Tracking my money monthly using my Income and Expenses Tracker
Practicing delayed gratificationânot every âI wantâ is an âI need right nowâ
Creating a realistic budget that actually supports my lifestyle, not what finance gurus say I should be doing
That means including:
A pamper day/fun fund (yes, YOLO đ)
A birthday fund for myself and loved ones
A family support fund, because thatâs a real part of life for many of us
The goal isnât to restrict myselfâitâs to plan for the things that matter so I donât feel guilty when they happenâfreedom, not friction.
đĽ New Video: âI Make ÂŁ2,600 Monthly But Iâm Still Brokeâ - NHS Nurse
Ever wondered how someone earning ÂŁ2,600 per month (after taxes) can still feel constantly broke?
In this brand new series, I break down the real-life finances of a 29-year-old NHS worker living in London. Itâs so relatable and might make you rethink how you manage your money.
đ¸ Want Me to Review Your Finances for FREE?
Introducing something new: Fix My Finances.
This is your chance to have me anonymously review your real money situationâjust like the NHS nurse in this weekâs video. Iâll break it down with kindness and practical insight, and I might feature it in a future email or video.
đ Submit your details here:
Fix My Finances â Submit Yours Now
Remember, whether youâre brushing up your skills or finally telling your budget whoâs boss, just know the real glow-up isnât always loud. Sometimes itâs just you, your Google Calendar, and a spreadsheet on a random Tuesday night.
Youâre doing amazing, sweetie! (yes, I said it)
Till next week,
XOXO
â Chidera