Last newsletter I mentioned that if we invest our time and money in areas that allow us to learn and grow, we will receive consistently strong returns. In this newsletter, I want to discuss several specific investments that we can make to help us become the best versions of ourselves. Although this concept may seem basic, many people fail to incorporate basic investments into their daily lives. It always seems like other things get in the way: our routines, the pressure we feel to do more things in less time, and our lack of clarity about our goals.
The important thing is to make investing in yourself a part of your routine. The investments that I propose here may seem simple, but if you make them a part of your everyday life, you may be surprised at how rewarding they can be.
The criteria for a great investment is simple – it helps us with at least one of the following:
· Teaches us something new and exciting
· Helps us grow as a person by assisting us in overcoming fears, doubts, and uncertainties
· Creates more time and/or energy in our lives so that we can do more activities that help us learn and grow
Here are nine investments that we can make which will give us a great return:
1) Seminars and /Workshops – Many people stop going to class when they finish high school, college, or graduate school. However, there are many areas of life that we don’t cover in school. I never took a class in school on how to determine my financial blueprint and how that affects my money management habits, or on how to invest successfully in real estate or the stock market, or on how to have a great marriage.
Every week, seminars are conducted across the country on every topic imaginable. Some seminars are free introductory seminars and some of them are weeklong retreats that cost thousands of dollars. These seminars are great ways to break the routines of everyday life. In addition to the knowledge and growth that the information at the seminars can provide, they are also refreshing and offer us valuable time to reflect.
2) Business/Social and Professionals Groups – Whether you are looking for more referrals for your business, hoping to overcome your fear of public speaking, or interested in finding other people with some of your common interests, there are groups out there that you can join. I am a member of a business group. One morning a week about fifteen business people get together to share referrals and discuss business strategies. I am also a member of Toastmasters (www.toastmasters.org) which is an international organization designed to help you improve your public speaking skills. The website www.meetup.com is a great source for finding or starting your own social groups in your area.
3) Gym Membership/Personal Trainer/Fitness Classes – Gym memberships, personal trainers, and fitness classes/boot camps should all be looked at as investments rather than expenses. If you treat them as investments these purchases will energize you and help you grow. If you are not exercising, invest in a personal trainer or some other fitness related investment that will hold you accountable. Having energy, both mental and physical, to pursue your goals is one key to creating success in your personal and professional lives. If you are tired of going to the gym or running outside and doing the same routine, switch it up and invest in a boot camp or fitness class.
4) Non-Fiction Books – I am a big advocate of reading. It’s funny because I used to dislike it. So if you don’t like reading there is hope! I prefer non-fiction to fiction, however, I think there is value in both types of reading. Fictional novels are a great way to escape, relax, and immerse yourself in a compelling story. Non-fiction is a great way to learn about new topics or people or master topics that you are already familiar with. I strongly suggest picking a topic that you’ve wanted to learn more about and reading three books on that topic. You’ll find that there are books on every topic possible. By reading three different books on a topic you are on your way to becoming an expert in that area. Learning from other people’s experience and viewpoints is very valuable in your growth and learning process. Spend an afternoon or a weekend day in a bookstore exploring the possibilities.
5) Audio Books – The rising popularity of audio books makes it harder to claim that you’re too busy or too lazy to read. If you think you are too busy or too lazy to read then stop making excuses. There are many books available on audio. You can listen while you are in the car or you can put the audio track on your ipod and listen to it while working out or cleaning your house.
6) Volunteering for a good cause – Volunteering for something you believe is a great way to energize yourself. Sometimes people get so consumed in their everyday lives that they forget the positive feelings they can create by giving some of their time to a worthy cause. What organization can you donate a small amount of your time to in the next month? The website www.volunteermatch.com can offer you some volunteering options. Most non-profits are usually looking for volunteers for various services that they provide. I am volunteering at the PMC for Kids bike ride (http://kids.pmc.org/) in late May. Let me know if you are interested.
7) Personal Coach – Getting a personal coach is a great investment. Just like a personal trainer, a coach should be viewed as an investment and not as an expense. Working with a coach will help you find clarity on what you want and how you are going to get it. Your coach will hold you accountable and will help you become more productive in your personal and professional life. There are many coaches out there who specialize in specific areas. Think about how coaching can provide you with the most value and find a coach that you connect with. Some people coach for just a few months as they work through a certain period in their lives and some people use a coach for years at a time.
8) Classes, Lessons, and Leagues – Did you ever want to be a chef? Maybe a ballroom dancer or a salsa dancer? Maybe an actor? An artist? A pianist or guitarist? A softball or basketball player? There are classes, lessons, and leagues available that allow you to participate in these hobbies, sports, and careers. Switch it up. Take some salsa or guitar lessons or a join a softball team for the summer. Learn something new. Pick up a new hobby or reinvigorate one that has faded from your life.
9) DVR – If you spend time watching TV then what better way to create more time in your life than investing in a DVR? No more commercials! Just make sure to use it appropriately. Don’t tape too many shows and start watching TV that you normally wouldn’t care about. Tape only the shows and sporting events you MUST watch to survive. 
You can watch most shows in 2/3 the time because you can fast forward through commercials. You can also fast forward through all the negative parts of the news – although that might not leave much of the news left to watch. The Celtics games only take me one hour to watch. This small monetary investment will cut down on your TV time and will allow you to spend time and money on all your other investments.
These are only a few of the investments you can make with your time and money. Continue to reflect on your life and ask yourself if the way you are spending your time and money is helping you learn and grow and to ultimately become the best version of yourself.
Until the next newsletter – always be learning and always be growing.
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