The Best Investment You Can Make
I recently sent out an email with an offer for one of my online courses and I received a reply from someone saying, “Thank you for the invitation, but I don’t want to spend the money.”
Now I don’t know this person in real life so I have no idea of their circumstances, but it reminded me of a quote from Warren Buffett. He said, “The best investment you can make is in yourself.” His advice may seem overly simplistic or even cliché, but it’s true. Beyond the stock market or any external venture, the greatest return on investment you will ever experience comes from developing and nurturing your own mind, body, and spirit.
Investing in Skills and Knowledge
Consider this: markets fluctuate, economies shift, and industries evolve. What’s within your control is your skill set and adaptability. In a world that’s changing faster than ever, investing in your education and expertise isn’t just wise—it’s essential. This could mean mastering a new language, learning about the financial markets, or getting a new certification. Each piece of knowledge compounds your value, giving you more confidence and competence.
One of my clients, for example, decided to take an intensive course on negotiation. What initially seemed like an unnecessary expense turned out to be a transformative investment. That skill enabled him to secure a higher salary and negotiate a better rate on a loan. The return on that one course extended far beyond the cost or effort it took to complete.
I, myself, have invested well over $100,000 in my personal and professional development. But let’s be clear: That’s not where I started. I started with books. 📚 Reading has been a life-long passion for me. Then I used the internet. 👩🏻💻 Both of those are low-cost investments that take more time than money.
Then, as I made a little bit of money in my business, I started investing in online courses and small, local events that taught me more of the skills I needed. These were investments of maybe a couple hundred dollars or less.
As my business grew, I was able to start investing in higher-priced programs. But actually, here’s the truth: I was investing thousands in my education BEFORE I could really afford to do so.
Not every single program was life-changing, but I was able to glean a bit here and there–taking what worked for me and leaving the rest. Over time, my investments in myself have paid off big time.
Nurturing Your Well-Being
Buffett’s quote doesn’t just apply to career or financial investments; it’s also about the importance of physical and emotional well-being. Your ability to show up as the best version of YOU is directly tied to your health and happiness. This means prioritizing time for exercise, sleep, nutrition, and mindfulness. It means setting boundaries that protect your mental energy and creating space for self-reflection and personal growth.
As you likely know if you’ve hung around Lucra long enough, wealth = well-being. The word “wealth” comes from Middle English wele “well-being.” (If someone out there is a Middle English scholar and can tell me how to pronounce that, that would be awesome.)
I work with some people who struggle with the idea of taking time off. After all, there’s always more work to be done, another deadline, another opportunity.
But here’s the thing… When you don’t invest in your health and peace of mind that leads to burnout and you end up paying for it in diminished returns on everything else. I look at self-care as an investment rather than an indulgence. When I’ve slept well and feel energized, I’m more productive and creative.
The Ripple Effect
Investing in yourself doesn’t only benefit you; it extends outward to your relationships and your work. When you grow, your capacity to contribute grows, too. This is the essence of living a truly ‘lucra(tive)’ life—where wealth isn’t measured solely by the numbers in your bank account but by the richness of your experiences and the value you bring to others.
Going back to our etymology, think about how the word well means “in good health,” but it’s also the source from which something is drawn, as in a spring-fed well. Your investment in yourself fills up your internal well so that you can create a positive impact for others whether that be your family, your community, your clients, etc.
Taking Action
So, how do you start investing in yourself today?
- Set aside time for learning: Actually block the time on your calendar. Make it a priority to read, take courses, or learn new skills regularly.
- Prioritize your health: View exercise, good nutrition, and sleep not as chores to be done, but as strategic investments.
- Connect with coaches and mentors: Surround yourself with people who inspire growth and challenge you to think bigger.
- Reflect and plan: Schedule time for self-reflection so that you ensure your actions align with your bigger vision.
You see…
Warren Buffett’s advice isn’t just a financial guideline—it’s a philosophy. When you invest in yourself, you’re laying the foundation for a life of true wealth. A life that goes beyond money to encompass fulfillment, resilience, and growth.
Ask yourself: Am I investing in the most valuable asset I have—me? If the answer is yes, then you’re already on the path to a prosperous life that will pay dividends for years to come. If you’re not willing to bet on yourself, ask yourself, “Why not?”
