7 Ways to Invest in Yourself

My dad used to always say, “I’m a student of the world,” and while I laughed at it a bit then, it’s come to mean so much more to me in my adult years. Just because I’ve graduated, doesn’t mean I’ve stopped learning—in fact, in the past decade, I’d be willing to say I’ve learned more than I did in college! But, here’s what’s funny, I hesitate so much when it comes to investing on new things like education, a new course, going to see a functional medicine doctor because I was sick of feeling terrible.

It’s tough to justify spending money on ourselves, especially when we have bills and rent to pay and a family to feed. But, investing in yourself is investing in your own happiness, which pours over into everything in your life. When you’re happier, life runs more smoothly and the people around you will benefit greatly as well.

Whether it’s investing in a new course to change career paths or taking charge of your health, know that these investments are worth it. We only get one life here on Earth, so we might as well make the most of it, right?!

Here are a few ways to invest in yourself, and some won’t cost you a dime!

Take an Online Course or Class

Isn’t it funny that we spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in college, and maybe even go into debt because of it, but as an adult, we’re hesitant to spend a few hundred dollars on a online course or class to educate ourselves on something we’re passionate about? Just think, that class might the thing that shifts the direction of your career, helps you to start a business, quit your 9 to 5 and finally follow your passion.

I’d say that’s worth the money? If you’re really worried about it, start saving now and in a few months, that cost may not seem so daunting! I recently signed up for a an online course on Functional Nutrition. It’s something that I’ve been incredibly interested in over the past two years and really wanted to learn more about. Sure, it was an investment, and I don’t know that I’ll ever become a nutritionist, but I know it will benefit me in so many ways!

Take Care of your Health

Our health is our true wealth! Without good health, it’s harder to enjoy life and go after the things we love. Whether it’s finally making an appointment to see a functional medicine doctor, nutritionist, acupuncturist or therapist, it’s worth the cost.

If seeing a specialist isn’t in the budget, start at home. Eat healthier meals and exercise regularly. Small steps to start living healthier might mean you shop differently and stick to shopping the perimeter of the store (less processed foods), stop ordering takeout so much, or invest in a personal trainer or app like Sweat (BBG) or Tone it Up that holds you accountable with an amazing community.

Listen to Your Intuition

This one is a freebie! Our hearts and heads don’t always align, but I can tell you with 100% certainty that my gut feeling has never led me astray. Not every project that has come from a gut feeling panned out exactly how I imagined, but I’ve learned so much from each chance I took along the way. Whenever I look back at past choices, I’’m always thankful for them because they’ve led me to where I am now.

Read

I really do love to read, though finding the time is harder these days! I love reading educational books that give me more information on a subject I’m interested in. One book that made a huge impactc on me was WomanCode. Reading can give us so much value and costs very little. It’s also a great way to practice a little self-care and take some time to read in a peaceful environment.

Listen to Podcasts

I love listening to business podcasts. I learn so much, get motivated to try new things in my own business sand am encouraged to keep growing. A few of my favorites are the Courage and Clarity podcast and the Goal Digger podcast. Rob loves the How I Built This podcast and it’s one I need to add to my queue!

Focus on the Good

It’s easy to fall into a pessimistic rut, I’m guilty! But, when I’m actively choosing happiness, joy and to see the good in every situation, it has a snowball effect. I’m happier overall and good things just tend to roll my way. Being grateful for the good and bad things in your life isn’t always easy, but it’s so powerful. Your attitude shapes the way you view the world and you have the power to change your attitude.

Join a Community

This is something I truly miss about what I do. I have an amazing online community, but I miss the in person aspect of community. If my budget allowed for it, I would love to have a team of like-minded gals that were all interested and excited about the same things as me. When there’s a community surrounding you, you stay motivated, excited and on-track. Of course, it’s not impossible to do solo, but a supportive community can be so beneficial. It can be family members, a small group of business women you meet up with each month to hold yourself accountable.

What ways have you invested in yourself? Is there anything that you’ve been wanting to do, but haven’t pulled the trigger on yet? Share below!

BTW, do something for you, and do you collect anything special?