Is it possible that the best investment you’ll make in your life isn’t from a stock or financial asset? What if simply investing your time learning something new, could change your life forever?
In all honesty, and full disclosure I struggle when it comes to investing in myself.
I have no problem investing long-term for retirement, but investing in myself, doesn’t come natural to me at all. However, Pew Research shows that the trend is millennials spend twice as much as boomers do on self-care investing in things like personal trainers, diet plans, life coaching, and therapy.
For me, buying little things, like a candle to relax and read a new book that comes out, I often think, “that is a waste of money.” Or… “I’ll do without. Instead of buying a book or going to a workshop I can just google and figure this out on my own for free.”
And then I attended a workshop, things became very clear to me.
It’s worth it to invest your time and/or money in areas that you value in your life. For me, I’m in the process of changing things on my website, and I am NOT naturally techie AT ALL. I’m changing the platform that I use for my Best Money Class Ever to improve the online experience for student who take the class across the country.
I attended a workshop with a Q&A session on websites and it was SO worth it! There was so much value in hearing from expert coders and developers that have designed hundreds, if not thousands of websites.
I’m finding that something as simple as a workshop, reading a book, or taking a class is worth it and can make impact and difference in your life.
Here’s two reasons why YOU NEED to invest in yourself.
1. The Experts Do
Famous investor, Warren Buffett, admitted he was mortified of public speaking and became physically sick before taking the podium. He took a public speaking class by Dale Carnegie and said that “investing in yourself is the most important investment you’ll ever make in your life.”
Benjamin Franklin spent hours learning languages that helped him during the American Revolution to speak to leaders and gain support from other nations.
“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest, ” said Benjamin Franklin.
Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, who is now the youngest female self-made billionaire stated in an interview she would buy motivational tapes from Brian Tracy.
In an age that everything is instant and Pinterest perfect, it’s hard to imagine these experts previously spent endless amounts of hours learning, researching, and practicing on the job to master their field of expertise.
In fact, Malcolm Gladwell best-selling author, estimated that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert.
2. You Only Live Once
The second reason you need to invest in yourself because in all seriousness you only live once. Unless you believe in reincarnation, this life is it!
YOLO was a mantra that originally had the same meaning as the Latin, “carpe diem,” or seize the day. You only live once meant to enjoy your life and take a few calculated risks because you may not have another chance. Now, it can be associated with reckless and irresponsible behavior as an excuse to do whatever you want without regards to any consequences.
A better way to understand why you need to invest in yourself now is with an oldie, but goodie pop culture song from Eminem, “Loose Yourself.”
It often comes as a shock to people, but I love rap music, so much so that in high school, my senior year I ran for Student Body President, and I made my entire campaign based off the lyrics in Eminem’s song “One Shot, One Opportunity.”
I played the beginning of his song over the intercom in my election speech:
‘Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted in one moment, would you capture it or just let it slip?’
You really do only have one senior year in high school, and I wanted to make it one to remember. Now, for you if you want to start a business, get out of debt, buy a home, or travel, spend time figuring out how to do it! Don’t let any opportunities slip.
Or as Mary Oliver said, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
In conclusion, the experts invest in themselves and you only live once. That’s why you need to invest in yourself. Invest in yourself to make your goals, dreams, and plans happen.
P.S. This is about investing in yourself. Of course, a disclaimer is that standard investing for retirement is important. Here’s articles on investing:
