Hey there, fellow retreat leaders (and aspiring ones)! 👋 It’s Shannon here, retreat leader and owner of Retreat Ranch, and I want to talk to you today about something that has been a HUGE game-changer for me, both personally and professionally: investing in yourself.

We hear it all the time, right? “Invest in yourself.” But what does that really mean? And why does it matter so much, especially when you’re in the business of creating transformational retreats for others? Well, let’s dive into it and get real about how growing yourself leads to growing your business—and how that investment can take your retreats to the next level.

Why Investing in Yourself is Key to Being a Successful Retreat Leader

When I first started hosting retreats over 12 years ago, I was all about serving my guests, making sure they had the best experience possible. And don’t get me wrong—that’s absolutely the heart of it. But here’s the thing I realized along the way: if I wasn’t taking care of myself, expanding my own skills, and growing as a person, my retreats would hit a ceiling. I could only take my guests as far as I had gone myself.

That’s when I started investing in myself—in my education, training, self-development, and even in my own wellness. The more I grew, the more I could pour into my retreats and the better I could serve my guests.

Here are a few ways investing in yourself directly leads to your success as a retreat leader:

1. Growing Your Skill Set = Better Retreats

Want to offer more value to your retreat guests? Then you’ve got to keep growing your own skill set. Whether it’s learning new modalities (hello, sound healing or breathwork 💫), honing your leadership skills, or understanding the latest marketing trends, investing in education (and even experience, like work exchange opportunities) makes you a more well-rounded and confident retreat leader.

I’m constantly learning—whether it’s from industry experts, attending workshops, or investing in courses that help me be a better business owner. Even just constantly listening to books and podcasts– I am looking for ways to grow and learn. The more I learn, the more I can offer my retreat guests, which means better experiences for them and more success for me. Win-win!

2. Self-Care and Personal Development = Authentic Leadership

Let’s be real—retreats can be exhausting to host. You’re holding space for your guests, guiding them through transformational experiences, and managing logistics all at once. It’s a lot. That’s why self-care is more than just a buzzword—it’s a necessity.

When you invest time in your own personal wellness and development, you’re not just recharging your batteries; you’re leading by example. Guests notice when you’re showing up authentically, fully present, and taking care of yourself. It creates a ripple effect, making them feel more open and inspired to do the same in their own lives.

So, ask yourself: Are you prioritizing your own wellness? Are you growing in ways that fill your cup, so you can show up fully for your guests?

3. Learning from Others = Shortening the Learning Curve

When I first started, I had to figure a lot of things out the hard way. I wish I’d had a mentor or someone who’d been down this path before me. That’s why I’m a huge advocate for learning from others. Whether it’s through mentorship, courses, or networking with other retreat leaders, investing in learning from those who’ve been there can save you time, stress, and mistakes.

That’s exactly why I created courses to help other retreat leaders—I don’t want you to have to figure it all out on your own. Investing in learning from someone who’s already done it can shorten your learning curve and fast-track your success.

4. Personal Growth = Professional Confidence

Let’s talk confidence. When you invest in yourself—whether it’s through personal growth, education, or self-development—you’re not just gaining skills. You’re building confidence in your abilities as a retreat leader. And let’s face it, confidence is contagious.

When you believe in yourself, your guests will believe in you too. The energy you bring to your retreat will set the tone for the entire experience. The more confident and secure you feel in what you’re offering, the more impactful and successful your retreat will be.

5. Investing in Your Business = More Freedom

Finally, investing in yourself also means investing in the business side of your retreats. It’s easy to get caught up in the creative aspects of hosting, but let’s not forget that retreats are a business, too. Learning how to market effectively, set the right prices, and manage your finances are all key parts of running a sustainable, profitable retreat business.

When you invest in learning these business skills (whether through courses, hiring help, or outsourcing where needed), you set yourself up for long-term success—and more freedom to do what you love. That’s the goal, right?

How Are You Investing in Yourself?

So, here’s the big question: How are you investing in yourself? Are you taking time to learn, grow, and develop both personally and professionally? Are you treating yourself as your most important asset? Because the truth is, the more you grow, the better you can serve your guests, and the more successful your retreats will be.

Whether it’s signing up for that course, attending a workshop, or simply taking time for self-reflection and wellness, investing in yourself is never wasted. It’s the fuel that will drive you forward and the key to long-term success.

If you’re ready to invest in yourself as a retreat leader and take your retreats to the next level, I’ve got some great resources for you. Check out my courses designed specifically for retreat hosts, where we cover everything from marketing strategies to business planning, to holding space for transformational experiences. 🌿✨

Remember, when you invest in yourself, you’re not just investing in your success—you’re investing in the success and transformation of every person who walks through the doors of your retreat. And that’s a beautiful thing.

Here’s to your growth, your success, and the incredible retreats you’re about to host! 💪🌟