To begin with, what do we mean by investment in yourself? In the Indian milieu, as parents we invest in our home (where our family lives), children, higher education, instruments, gold, car, etc. but never in ourselves. Our needs and desires take a backseat when it comes to us. We keep on postponing investment in ourselves. Life goes on and suddenly we come face to face with – the moment of truth, when we realize that while following our investment goals, we have forgotten ourselves. Are you the one facing this crisis in life when you have not invested anything in yourself? It is a difficult situation to be in…
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
What does investment in yourself mean? Investing in yourself means you are putting in the time, money, and energy into making your current and future life better. Instead of focusing on things that will not increase your wealth in the long term, look for ways to expand your knowledge and resources that can add value to your life.
Zig Ziglar once said, “People often say motivation does not last. Neither does bathing — that is why we recommend it daily.”
Health and Wealth are the two most important aspects of life that need conscious, consistent, and comfortable investment. Unfortunately, most of you do not consider it to be that important and keep postponing it, sometimes to the extent of neglecting it.
There is plenty of advice available all over about various investment plans which are good enough to confuse you always. If you keep a broad investment pattern in mind, you can achieve your financial goals.
Invest in your finances
- Start a retirement fund. There are many ways to save for retirement.
- Set financial goals. Set financial goals for the future and measure your success.
- Save for a rainy day. Start saving for small expenses that are not a part of your regular living expenses with a rainy-day fund.
- Grow your savings.
Now that you are set for financial investments, you can plan your health and self-care investment as well. It is equally important that not only your bank balance is healthy, it is equally important to keep your body healthy.
“Personal development is a major time saver.
For a healthy body, you need to:
- Sweat It Out. Exercise is a key component of maintaining a healthy body.
- Find a Hobby.
- Get a Good Facial.
- See Your Friends.
- Get Some New Lashes.
- Make Healthier Food Choices.
- Meditate to Reduce Stress.
- Get Enough Shut Eye.
“It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and make your happiness a priority.”
Besides, your greatest investment in life is people. First is your family; next are the other people in your circle of influence; and then the larger society.
On the surface, investing in yourself seems simple. You find a goal and invest time, effort, money, or all three towards reaching it.
Another important investment avenue is “Knowledge Investment” which can take you far. As quoted by yesteryear’s beautiful actress, Sharmila Tagore ji, “It is knowledge which always keeps you relevant.” Sharmila ji has no college education but she comes across as a knowledgeable and empowered woman. The reason is, that she has invested in knowledge and self-knowledge as well.
Indeed, knowledge is one of the most powerful assets. It makes the difference between living in abundance and living in lack. The only difference between the managing director in a company and a clerk in the same company is their knowledge. The MD has education and knowledge, that the clerk does not have. That is why he earns a hundred times more than his clerk does.
This is what you know that will bring you success. It is what you do not know that will cause you to fail. Why then, do some get it so wrong? Many people look for promotions without acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge they need to be promoted. Many business people are struggling because they just will not take the time to learn about accounting, marketing, and all that goes with doing business. That is like trying to drive a car without first putting in the fuel.
“You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one.”
Even, I am the one who realized quite late that it is important to invest in yourself. This value adds not only to your own life but of your family, friends, and society at large. If you do this, investments are small but results are phenomenal.
I would like to quote here a rule that will guarantee your success – and possibly make you rich: Invest 3 percent of your income back into yourself.” That is great advice from Brian Tracy. Investing in yourself can double or triple your income. It will work for you whether you are employed or in business.
James Attucher of the Financial Times agrees with this advice when he says “The only real way I know to triple your money is to invest in yourself.” He goes on to say that you should invest in your ideas and your own business.
As I say, it is important to invest in your mind. This can be achieved through self-education, which is very important beyond the classroom. In the real-world self-education matters a whole lot more than formal education. There are plenty of people with a formal education that are still struggling. Isaac Asimovfully supported this by saying “Self-education is, I firmly believe, the only kind of education there is.” A formal education is good, but only as a foundation. The sad part is that many are stuck at the foundation level. They do not realize that to complete the building they need to invest in some self-education.
Hence, if you invest in yourself, you will be happyHo!
