Invest in Yourself

As the economy inches its way forward, we think about saving money. Imagine you could wave a magic wand and leave all of your worries, stress and money behind. Like any good portfolio, the best investments you make in yourself are diversified, carefully managed, and geared to the long term.

Years ago, I gave up a lucrative “fast-track”executive postion for a simpler life after a good dose of soul searching. Here is what I discovered along the way to a better life through investing in the future:

You’re an asset. Think about that. If you work for someone else, you’re an asset to that company. If you’re married, you’re an asset to your spouse. And it goes without saying that  if you have children or grandchildren you are an incredible asset to them. You’re an asset to the community you live in, your neighbors, and to those you interact with you on a daily basis.

Be good to yourself. Give yourself a break when things don’t go the way you’d like. And reward yourself when you succeed. Celebrate little things like checking off items on your to-do list with a special cup of tea or square of chocolate. The only person you can count on is YOU.

Attitude of Gratitude. Having an attitude of graditude can change your negative thinking into a positive frame of mind. Research shows that practicing gratitude may be the best pathway to happiness, health, long life, and prosperity.

Eat Healthy. Healthy eating is not a diet. It means making changes you can live with and enjoy for the rest of your life. The way we eat affects our entire well-being, helping us feel our best and have plenty of energy. It can help you handle stress better, and prevent and control many health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.

Exercise. People who say they are too tired or don’t have the time, have it backwards. Exercising creates energy. Exercise releases chemicals in the brain that improve mood and mental alertness. In reality, you lack energy because you don’t exercise.

Read. I remember that my Dad read everything he could get his hands on, and knew a little bit about everything. Cutting down on television, carrying a book with you or listening to an audio book during your commutes can squeeze a little more knowledge into time that may otherwise be neglected.

Listen. Ever notice a person who rolls their eyes, talks over you or looks away as you’re talking? I used to do that. It’s taken me a long time to learn to stop and listen. Over the years, I missed some very good advice because I wasn’t listening.

Learn. Be open to learning something new. Diversify your thinking and the people and ideas around you. Change with the  times. Your brain withers if it isn’t challenged everyday.

Hobby. Find your release, like a hobby. You may find out that a hobby could turn into a fulltime job, or an opportunity to volunteer to help others. This connection with others invests in our own wellbeing, too.

Money. I firmly believe that the key to financial happiness is spending less than you earn. Determine what’s “right” when it comes to how you earn, invest, and spend your income. If you’re not living the life you want, you won’t be able to buy enough things to make up for it.

Home. My home is a place where I gather my strength every day so that I can go back into the world. Make this place special by decorating it in a way that you love. Use color, texture and music to create this sanctuary for yourself. Even a small, sunny nook for reading or listening to music can make a difference. 

Family. We’re working longer hours and spending less time with our families. It’s easy to fall into the together but alone trap. Try eating together in the evenings at the table without distractions of TV and computer. Catch up on and with each other. 

Good friend. What I call my go to person. This person listens without judgement, advises when asked, and tells us we’re being silly, unreasonable or plain crazy when necessary. Having a person like this gives us a safe place to explore ideas and get encouragement when we need it.

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” formula for the good life. Instead, I’m convinced that no matter how deep in debt or how rich, how unhappy at home or at work or content, you can make your life better. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of fine tuning, investing some time and energy into figuring out what you really want out of life. Just sayin’.

Published: Apartment News Magazine – May/June issue 2012