When you think of making an investment, you probably think of buying stocks or real estate.
However, I believe the best investment you can make is in YOURSELF. And with the amount of resources available today, many of these things are free!
There are a number of tools you can use to improve, but looking within can also make a world of a difference.
Learn more. Do more. Read more. Set big goals. Strive to be better.
Here are some of the best ways you can invest in yourself:
Listen to podcasts
Podcasts are first on the list because they’re FREE and definitely the best way to multitask. Podcasts are growing and there are all sorts of topics and personalities to follow.
I highly suggest listening to podcasts while you drive, while you clean, during your workouts, and even at work if you can. I have learned SO much from listening to different people, and I usually get inspired to take action in my life.
I mostly listen to financial and business podcasts. My favorites are:
- Design Your Dream Life by Natalie Bacon
- The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast by Pat Flynn
- Financial Freedom by Grant Sabatier
- How to Money by IHeartRadio
- Financial Independence Podcast by Mad Fientist
- Thrive Blogger Podcast by Thrive
- The Mind Your Business Podcast by James Wedmore
Read personal development books and blogs
There are millionaires, psychologists, doctors, monks, and business owners that have written books. These books can be purchased used for a few bucks or brand new for $12-$25.
Those books are the CLOSEST you will get to most of these people. You can go inside the brain of successful, happy, productive individuals. You can learn the strategies they go through and the tips they have to offer. This is exactly why I love books so much! There is just so much to learn, and I love to see other people’s perspectives and unique ideas on various topics.
Whatever it is you want to improve in, I guarantee you, you can find a book written about it.
If you’re not a fan of books, read blog posts instead. Blog posts are shorter and typically quick to the point. Therefore, you may find exactly what you’re looking for or you can keep searching further. The possibilities are endless.
Take advantage of all this information at the tips of your fingers!
I’ve read so many amazing books, but my favorites include:
- You are a Badass by Jen Sincero
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
- The Happiness Equation by Neil Pasricha
- The Barefoot Executive by Carrie Wilkerson
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Take courses
Courses are another great resource that you should take advantage of. Between Udemy, Coursera, and the thousands of entrepreneurs with their own courses, you will be able to find something you want to learn or improve upon.
Currently, I am working through the $100K Cimb in the Dare to Conquer community. It was created by Paul Scrivens and he has created a guide to work through to make $100K from your online business in 18 months. I’ve never been so excited for a course!
When you take courses, be sure you’re actually working through them and APPLYING them.
Just like with podcasts and reading books, going through a course is passive action. Actually applying and practicing what you learn is real action. So be aware of what you’re doing with the information, otherwise it is a waste of time.
Get coaching/self-coach
I just joined a group membership coaching program and I am HOOKED. Getting coaching has been super beneficial for me because with each call and/or lesson I get a new wave of motivation and drive.
At the moment, my coach is Natalie Bacon. She has been a source of inspiration to me for years so everything she teaches is relevant and helpful.
Getting coached has opened my eyes to how important my mindset is. She has provided so many tips that I’ve actually been implementing in my life daily, and I see myself growing.
Coaching sounds unnecessary in the grand scheme of things, but hearing information from a different perspective may just put the pieces together.
Natalie has also taught me about “self-coaching” which is something you can (and should) do if you’re not looking to spend money. You basically take the time each day to write and talk yourself through your thoughts, problems, and decisions. I love how this makes me more aware of my situations. She’s made me realize that everything in life is neutral, how we REACT to something is the difference.
Take care of yourself
You can’t be the best version of you if you’re not taking care of yourself. Your nutrition, fitness, and mental well-being should be somewhere on your priority list.
Taking care of yourself includes:
- Eating nutritious foods
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding over-/under-eating
- Increasing movement throughout your day
- Taking the time to journal/reflect on feelings
- Proper hygiene
- Necessary appointments (gynecologist, dentist, therapy, etc.)
- Drinking enough water
- Doing things in life that serve you/make you happy
You can’t be the best version of you if you’re unhealthy, tired, and negative.
Remember, self-care is not selfish it is necessary.
Also, remember that self-care is way more than hot baths, a cup of tea, and Netflix on the couch. Self-care is much more than that, and usually isn’t that comfortable.
You should be going to bed at a reasonable hour. You should be doing the things you actually said you would do. You should be feeding yourself positive energy and thoughts.
This all leads to a healthy mindset, body, and business/career.
RELATED POSTS:
How to Practice Self-Care Daily
Self-Care When Your Energy is Low
Practice self-discipline
Self-discipline is one of the most important things to reach success and happiness.
Self-discipline will help you to become confident, because you’ll do challenging things.
It will help you get more done and prioritize the important things in your life.
If you can learn to control yourself when it comes to unhealthy habits, money, and sleep, you will drastically change your life.
RELATED POST:
How I Stay Disciplined and Focused
I have a lot to say about self-discipline, which is exactly why I wrote up a 15-page PDF about it!
Check it out below:
Surround yourself with positivity
One of the hardest things to find in every day life are positive influences.
Unfortunately, many people you interact with on a day to day basis are living in a scarcity mindset. Many people feel stuck or they have settled. Many people would rather complain than make a difference.
This is exactly why I constantly listen to podcasts and speeches from people I look up to.
It’s important that the people you are closest to are supportive and uplifting, but that’s not always possible.
When I experience someone with negative energy, I will listen to them, but I try not to feed into the conversation too much. Not everyone can be helped, and I’m not willing to let them drag me down with them.
Another thing to pay attention to is your physical environment. Is your home dirty and cluttered? Are you holding onto old things that no longer serve you? That’s all negative energy too!
I love my space to be clean and cozy. Which is exactly why I chose to adopt a “lightly” minimalistic lifestyle and to decorate my apartment with warm lights and beautiful plants.
I like my environment to feel positive and inspiring. So I purchased things I really loved and I make sure to declutter and do my dishes every night!
Here’s a photo of my living room:
The greatest investment in life will always be in you.
My absolute favorite thing about life is that we can keep improving! It never has to end and it never should.
We can have a bad day, but turn the next day around completely. The more you invest in yourself, the more you will see everything else in your life begin to improve.
Personal development and a healthy mind and body are priceless. By consciously choosing to be better and make better decisions, you’ll invite abundance in your finances, relationships, and day to day life!