Investing in ourselves is one of the most important things we can do in life. However, it’s easy to underestimate the value of self-investment. Making a commitment to personal growth takes time, effort, and often money, so it can seem like a luxury. But nothing could be further from the truth – investing in our own development is critical for achieving success and fulfillment. Studies show that self-investment pays enormous dividends over our lifetimes in the form of greater knowledge, skills, happiness and earning power. This article will explore why we should never underestimate the power of investing in ourselves and provide tips for getting started.
Investing in yourself compounds over time for maximum impact
Just like financial investments, the earlier we start investing in personal growth, the more those investments can compound over time. If we work toward building our skills and expanding our minds in our 20s instead of waiting until our 40s or 50s, we have decades ahead to leverage those talents. Even if progress seems slow at first, small knowledge gains and lifestyle improvements made consistently create major results over years and decades. That’s why it’s critical to start self-investment early and keep it up – don’t get discouraged by thinking the impact should be immediate.
Investing in yourself pays the highest lifetime ‘interest’
While stocks or real estate may generate single-digit or low double-digit returns, investing in personal development can easily pay ‘interest’ in the hundreds or thousands of percent over a lifetime. Just think – every book you read, class you take or experience you gain expands your mind and skillset. The payoff comes your whole life long in the form of knowledge you continuously apply to everything you do. Even if an investment of time or money in yourself doesn’t appear to connect to your career or make money in the short term, it almost certainly will over decades by contributing to your growth.
You are your own most appreciating asset
Unlike material possessions that depreciate and financial accounts that fluctuate, our own personal value, skills and knowledge can only grow over time with the right investments. While we can’t control external conditions, we have agency over our own development. Investing in yourself is the surest way to build and retain value. As self-help expert Brian Tracy put it: ‘Investing in yourself is the best investment you will ever make. It will not only improve your life, it will improve the lives of all those around you.’
No other investment has higher upside
Warren Buffett became one of the world’s greatest investors after years spent voraciously reading and reflecting. Jim Carey practiced improv comedy for thousands of hours before becoming famous. Oprah Winfrey invested everything she had – time, money and effort – into building her talents before launching her iconic talk show. Investing in the right stock or startup can transform your finances, but only self-investment can transform every aspect of your life. When we dedicate ourselves to getting 1% better each day, we tap into unlimited personal upside.
Investing time, money and effort in ourselves is critical for achieving our highest potential and living our best lives. Never underestimate the massive payoff you reap from personal growth – it compounds over a lifetime for unparalleled returns. Make a commitment to self-investment today.