A cook invests in good knives. An athlete invests in high-performance shoes and clothing. A serious musician invests in a professional-quality instrument. What about you? How do you invest in yourself?
Yes, I mean spending actual money—on yourself.
Is that wise? How will you know if it’s worth the investment? Good question. For starters, it helps to realize spending money on things or training for your own benefit isn’t the same as investing money in the stock market. Why? Because investing money in personal development or personal well-being pays dividends no matter what.
Why is it important to invest in yourself?
When you spend money, time, or effort on yourself, what happens?
- You have a richer life. When you experience new things, learn new skills, or take you interests to the next level, it enriches your life and helps you remain engaged and fulfilled. You are more satisfied, more productive, and more confident.
- You are healthier. Learning of any kind is good for your brain. Engaging in enjoyable activities that connect you with others recharges your emotional, mental, or spiritual batteries, which in turn affects your physical health.
- It grows resilience. When you learn new skills, you not only add to the tools in your life toolbox, but you remind yourself that you are capable of growth and of handling new things.
- You give yourself a vote of confidence. Investing in yourself shows initiative, improves self-worth, and builds confidence as you gain new skills or knowledge.
- It benefits everyone. When you gain new skills or knowledge, improve your health, or otherwise do something to become better in some way, it’s not selfish, because others benefit as well. When you grow, so does your ability to help others and make a difference to those you love
Are you ready to invest in yourself? Here are some ideas to consider:
Invest in your health and well-being
- Exercise. We all know it’s good for us, but do we get enough? What kind of investment would help? A Fitbit? New shoes? A class that makes exercise more fun? A monthly weekend trip to parks where you can hike or ride?
- Buy books to inspire you. Boost your spiritual or mental with a dose of inspiration, whether it’s a daily devotional, a memoir on someone inspiring, or a self-help book on a subject that resonates.
- Take a vacation. We need breaks. Sometimes we need to get away from the daily worries for more than a few hours. Vacations don’t need to be far-off or fancy, but they need to refresh your spirit and give you some breathing room. Make sure your investment is done wisely by considering what refreshes you and what doesn’t.
- Talk to a life coach or counsellor. You don’t have to be clinically depressed to benefit from a wise counsellor. Be proactive and invest in a few sessions with a trustworthy coach, counsellor, or therapist that can help you grow, heal, and move past what’s holding you back.
Invest in your interests
- Tools. Are there tools you use regularly in your job, side hustle, or hobby? Are you making do with old or obsolete ones instead of investing in better quality? What tools could allow you to do something you can’t but would like to be able to do, but can’t? What tools would help you do a favorite activity more efficiently or safely?
- Join a group. You are strongly affected by who you spend time with, so joining a group of people who are good as something you aspire to can help you grow into your goals.
- Take a class. Want to try out a potential new hobby? Many activities, from cooking to glassblowing offer single-session classes. It’s a great way to dip your toe in the water.
- Buy a reference book. The internet is a wonderful tool, but sometimes you need a book, because A) the information isn’t readily available elsewhere, or B) it’s quicker and easier to find a particular fact in a book you own, and C) you can read, and re-read it at your leisure.
Invest in life-long learning
- Adult Education. Check out the adult ed offerings at your local high school or community college and enroll in a subject that sounds intriguing. You don’t need a logical reason to want to learn new things, just a curious mind.
- Webinars and workshops. Today’s world abounds in opportunities to learn about pretty much anything you can imagine. What will you learn about next?
- Mentors. What do many people at the top of their game have in common? A mentor or coach that helps them stay in top shape and consistently improving. We can benefit from a mentor, too.
- Mastermind groups. These days, experts in many fields offer mastermind groups for a fee. Maybe hanging out with others who are eager to grow under the wise counsel of an expert will help you take something to the next level.
Invest in relationships
The most important things you have in life aren’t things. It’s relationships with those you love that matters most. Yet relationships are often neglected when it comes to budgets and schedules. Keeping relationships healthy means spending time, so don’t scrimp on this important investment.
- Retreats and conferences. Attending a retreat or conference can be a boost of inspiration and are great ways to make new friends and reconnect with old ones. But many aren’t cheap, and they sometimes involve travel. Don’t let those expenses scare you away from considering this option.
- Take a trip. Is it time to pay a visit to a friend or relative you haven’t seen in a while? Make the effort, even if that involves airplanes or days off. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
- Start a lunch fund. Wise networkers actually budget money so when opportunities arise for them to have lunch or dinner with an important someone, they can jump on it. Invest in your relationships by setting aside money to hang out with friends in a setting you both enjoy.
- Go on a date. Dates aren’t just for star-crossed lovers. Wise married couples of all ages know the importance of going on regular dates. And kids love going on special dates with parents or grandparents, too.
Invest in your future and career
Don’t forget to invest in your future happiness. Here are a few ideas of ways to invest money now that will pay lifestyle or personal dividends in the future.
- New skills or certifications. Some professions require you to get Continuing Education Credits every year to maintain your license. Even if yours doesn’t, what new skills or class will help you keep up with your profession or advance your career?
- Rainy day savings. Putting aside money to cover unexpected expenses is an investment in peace of mind.
- Retirement savings. Most of us look forward to retirement. Have you adequately planned your finances so you can afford to do the things you’ve been looking forward to?
- A side-hustle. Have an idea for a side-hustle? Why not invest in the tools or training you need to do it right. Who knows, some day your side-hustle could become your day job.
I hope these ideas have inspired you to invest in yourself. What is at the top of your wish list? What step will you take today to make that investment happen? You are worth the investment!
Hint: Some of these suggestions would make a nice birthday or Christmas present, so consider adding one or two to your wish list or letting loved ones know what you’d most like as a gift.
