All the big and small tips you need to invest in yourself the right way and become a more awesome version of yourself.
If we broadly categorize the investment types, there would be only two of them — good and bad.
Bad investments you can make are toxic relationships, an unhappy job, clothes that don’t make you feel good, things you do not need, and mindless scrolling.
These are the most common ways you can invest, or rather waste your time, energy, and money.
The world we are in today promotes these bad investments, but the good kind? That’s what you need to actually thrive in your life.
With so many activities and options to choose from, it can be hard to decide what’s the right way to spend your valuable resources.
But if you could master the art of investing in yourself wisely, then your life would be cozier, happier, and healthier. So, this is something worth working on.
In this post, I’ll share the 10 best ways to invest in yourself so that you can lead an amazing life instead of a tiring one.
If you’re ready to level up and stop wasting your days away, then please, read on.
11 Best Ways To Invest In Yourself
1. Learn New Things
The most fundamental way to invest in yourself? Always be learning.
By this, I don’t mean forcing yourself to read dry and boring textbooks that make your eyes glaze over.
I’m talking about finding what lights a fire inside you.
It could be learning a new language, exploring photography, or taking a personal finance course. Because knowledge isn’t just power; it’s freedom.
When you continuously learn and build new skills, you open doors to new opportunities.
Also, being well-rounded means you’re never the least interesting person in the room, which is a nice bonus.
You’re the one people lean into when conversations get deep.
But how do you make learning fun instead of boring? Here are some tips!
- Buy books on subjects you’ve always been curious about (I have always been fascinated by space)
- Try podcasts (seriously, they are fab)
- Pick up free courses, and once you cover the basics, move on to paid ones
- Watch informative YouTube videos
- Dedicate twenty minutes every day to learning
2. Buy Good Self-Care Products
Self-care looks different to everyone, but it’s something all of us should be investing in on the same level.
I won’t lie and say this is cheap, because, at times, it can be a tad expensive.
But if you do your self-care right, then you have so much more confidence, both in your body and your mind.
And that makes every penny you spend in this direction worth it.
Here are the basic self-care items I invest in regularly:
- Good skincare products (cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and body lotion)
- Shower products (shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask)
- Journals and notebooks (I buy them whenever I need more)
- Nail paints and perfume
- Dark chocolate for when I’m feeling low
- Green tea and cookies for my evening routine
Depending on your budget, you can choose to be as luxurious or opt for an affordable self-care range.
I’ve found that the price doesn’t really matter, as long as what you have suits your needs and actually makes you feel good.
The shower gel I use is the cheapest one in the market and I’d never replace it because I love how good it smells.
My nail paints on the other hand are good quality, even if I only have one bottle at a time, because the cheap ones don’t make my nails good at all.
The message is, buy yourself those flowers and get those monthly facials that your pocket can afford.
You need this commitment to self-care to feel awesome in your mind and body.
3. Prioritize Your Physical Health
There are two basic aspects of physical health that you need to invest in for ultimate health: exercise and food.
Even though most people look at exercise as a chore, I fully believe that if they picked the right workout for them, they wouldn’t hate it at all.
You need to find activities and workouts that bring real joy to your mind and body (like dancing, walking, sports, and swimming).
Having good workout clothes and footwear is important too, as they make you feel good in your skin and help your posture too.
As for food, making little swaps here and there can help, like adding colorful veggies to your meals and trying out new recipes that are healthy and delicious.
Oh, and for the love of all that’s good, prioritize your sleep.
Pulling all-nighters used to be a badge of honor when I was younger, but now? I’d rather give my body the rest it deserves.
Sleep affects everything from your mood to your productivity, so don’t skimp on it. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Silk pillow covers, eye masks, and a humidifier are one-time investments that can help you sleep better and feel luxurious.
A fun way to invest in your physical health: Pick one healthy habit and stick to it for 30 days.
Maybe that’s drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning or stretching for 5 minutes before bed. Baby steps add up!
4. Pour Into On Your Mental Health
Your mental health needs to be prioritized the same as your physical health, and if I’m being honest, it might even be more important.
Therapy can be a real game-changer, even if you feel like your life is relatively stable.
Having a professional to talk to can bring insights and coping mechanisms that nobody and nothing else can.
And if therapy isn’t within reach for you right now, that’s okay. Mindfulness and journaling are fantastic starting points too.
For meditation, you don’t need to sit cross-legged on a yoga mat for an hour.
Invest just five minutes of your day into deep breathing with your eyes closed. You can also tune into guided meditations from YouTube.
Once you’re comfortable and focused enough, you can gradually start giving more time to meditation till you reach your sweet spot (which is 20 minutes for me).
Journaling is another gem that gets overlooked too often.
Invest in some cute journals and stationery, and start pouring your thoughts onto paper. Letting out what’s bothering you can make you feel ten times lighter.
Lastly, invest in your mental health by taking breaks from things that overwhelm you.
Put down the social media when it starts making you feel like crap, cut down your commitment, and take mental health days to breathe.
You deserve it. Your mind deserves it.
5. Give Your Time To The Right People
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
Ever heard that one before? It’s such a true statement. Your circle really can make or break you.
You need to surround yourself with people who challenge you to be better, lift you up when you’re down, and celebrate your wins.
If you don’t have that yet, then start looking for your people.
Networking events, hobby groups, online forums — all these might sound like tips you read on every self-improvement blog, but they can actually help you find your tribe.
If your current friend group feels more draining than supportive, it’s okay to put some distance there.
No need to ghost anyone (unless they truly deserve it), but be intentional about who gets your time and energy.
6. Invest In Your Passions
Your passions matter. They really do!
Passions are what make life colorful and exciting, and they inspire you to do better in your life too.
If you love books, then build yourself a small library at home to make your soul sing every time you look at them.
If you are passionate about mugs, then buy cute ones in different colors to adorn your collection.
And those hobbies that you left behind once life got too busy? Pick them up again and start investing your time into them.
You can start new hobbies too, like learning an instrument, painting, or blogging.
Buy yourself whatever stuff you need for your hobby. Most of them would be one-time investments, so don’t be thrifty.
Life is too short to do only what you have to do.
So, please, schedule time for your hobbies like you would any important meeting at work. Put it in your calendar and show up for the things you love.
7. Set Goals And Track Your Progress
Goals give you a sense of purpose and something tangible to work toward. It’s the most authentic way to invest in your dreams and fulfill them.
You start by figuring out what you want.
Is it a promotion? A healthier lifestyle? More travel experiences? Write those goals down, then break them into bite-sized steps.
Checking things off your list can be deeply satisfying and keep you motivated all day, week, and month long.
Use a planner or a goal-setting app to track your progress.
I keep a separate journal to track my goals and even write down entries in it to express how I’m feeling and to motivate myself to keep working.
Reflecting is really important to succeed at your goals.
It also helps you celebrate your wins, learn from your setbacks, and keep going.
8. Learn To Say No
To be able to invest in yourself in any way, it’s important you have time and energy.
But these can be hard to sustain if you’re always saying yes to events and people even when you don’t need to.
Saying yes to everything is a fast track to burnout and time waste.
You need to please yourself first before you please other people.
So, learn to say no and protect your time and energy for what truly matters. It’s not selfish, my dear friend. It’s self-preservation.
Set your boundaries in a kind but firm way and don’t feel guilty afterward. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.
The world won’t fall apart if you say no to one more commitment. But doing this will help you build your kingdom for sure.
9. Explore Your Localities And Travel
There’s a big world out there, and investing your time in exploring it is a powerful way to grow and learn.
It will bring you fresh perspectives and help you understand life beyond your bubble.
You don’t have to book an international flight or go on an expensive adventure to make it happen.
To explore around without breaking the bank, you can:
- Be a tourist in your own city
- Try new cuisines at the restaurant
- Take different routes while going to work and walking to the store
- Go on micro-adventures like sunrise hikes, nature walks, and bookstore shopping
And of course, whenever budget and time allow, take bigger trips to explore the world. Traveling to different places can be life-changing.
Backpack through a foreign city, camp in a national park, and take road trips with your friends (or your furry pet).
Walk on the beaches, climb the mountains, and go stargazing at beautiful locations.
It’s easy to get stuck in routines, but when you break free and see the world differently, you start to see yourself differently too.
So go ahead. Get out there, get curious, and start exploring. You never know what (or who) you’ll discover.
10. Get Your Finances In Order
I know money isn’t the most fun of topics to discuss, but we are talking about investing in yourself, right?
And how can this ever be complete without touching upon the topic of money?
In my opinion, financial wellness is pure self-care. There’s no better feeling than having a financial cushion to rely on.
Start by understanding where your money is going.
Budgeting apps can help (YNAB is a favorite of mine), and the old-fashioned envelope method works too.
I also love exploring finance blogs (like Finsavvy Panda).
Building an emergency fund might not be glamorous, but if you do it, then your future self will thank you profusely for it.
Also, take the time to understand the basics of investing. Look into retirement plans, and consider automating your savings.
Learn something new about finances every month and then do something with that knowledge.
Just one year of putting your head into finances can bring you to a whole another level with your money.
11. Buy And Read Books (Loads Of Them)
I don’t know if magic exists or not, but books are the closest I’ve come to feeling and touching magic.
Books have this incredible power to transport you to different worlds, make you think in new ways, and teach you lessons you didn’t even know you needed.
You want to grow as a person? Read a personal growth book.
Want your mind to be more positive and happy? Pick up a book on mental health.
Want to relax and escape your reality for a bit? Pick up a cozy romance or a fantasy book.
Seriously, there’s nothing that a good book can’t do for you. It’s the easiest way to invest in yourself.
There are many affordable books from every genre. You can easily buy 2-3 books at the start of every month and read them in time.
If you’re on a budget, libraries are goldmines, and many classic books are available for free online.
How to create a reading habit:
- Create a cozy reading corner in your house
- Set daily, monthly, and yearly reading goals
- Carry a book everywhere you go
- Join a book club (GoodReads is best for this)
- Read every night before bed for consistency
Ready To Start Investing In Yourself?
Investing in yourself is the ultimate act of self-love and a sign of being smart.
When you pour into your own cup with love and confidence, you can pour into others from a place of fullness.
Take it one step at a time and remember that you’re worth every second and every penny.
Now, go out there, and start making the most incredible investments of your life.
You won’t regret trying a single tip from this post, I promise.
Read next: 10 Different Ways To Enjoy Life To The Fullest
You just read a guide on how to invest in yourself. Got anything to add or share? The comment box is all yours!
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