We invest in all kinds of things – rental properties, the stock market, startups run by friends and family. Being able to invest in financially viable enterprises is a wonderful thing, but there might be one thing that’s even better: being able to invest in yourself. Now, it’s true that whenever you’re invested in a project that you think will make you more money, you’ve invested in yourself financially, but there are other ways that you can invest in yourself. Things where the return on investment might not be so readily obvious or quantifiable, but that could change your life for the better.
Invest in Better Habits
How often do you sleep well every night? Getting a full night’s rest, somewhere between 7-9 hours, can vastly improve your immune system, memory, and learning. While those things don’t lead to quantifiable dollar amounts, it’s quite obvious that not being sick and learning more quickly will help you grow your bank account. What’s more, it can make you a happier person. On that note, eating right andexercising have many of the same benefits: reducing fatigue, increasing your health, and improving your cognitive functions. When you’re at work all day long, trying to grow your business, it can be hard to find time for yourself, but the energy and brainpower you’ll derive from taking care of your body means you’ll be able to take more on, in less time.
Invest in Your Hobbies
Our culture tends to place a lot of emphasis on how many hours you’re willing to work, especially if you own a business. That can dissuade some people from indulging in their hobbies — where can you find the time? Realistically, though, you should find the time for your hobbies. They can help you to prevent burnout and they can be incredibly fulfilling. What’s more, most hobbies can actually help you in your professional life. Your hobbies might help you think more creatively, they might help you think further ahead, they might help you think strategically, become a better leader; there could be any number of benefits. Making time for your hobbies is a fun and fulfilling method of self-improvement.
Invest in Broadening Your Horizons
Relaxing and experiencing the finest of the finer things isn’t a simple indulgence – it can help you expand your thinking. Go to a concert where music you’ve never heard is being performed. Go to a restaurant with food you’ve never tried. Go out and meet people you wouldn’t normally interact with. Ideas and understandings can come from disparate, unlikely places. Investing in yourself means investing time to experience what’s unknown to you.
These are only some of the many ways you can invest in yourself – creating mental, emotional, physical and spiritual growth that will, in the end, grow your bank account. Another way you can invest in yourself financially? Get a professional accounting team to help you understand how to best invest your money.