Want Success? Invest in Your Biggest Enemy Whether you want to earn the highest figures, reach the peak of your professional career or become a better all-round person, investing in yourself is non-negotiable.
By Jon Michail Edited by Micah Zimmerman
Key Takeaways
- Our greatest investment lies in treasures within.
- When leaders and entrepreneurs embrace and practice this reality, they realize their 'value' possibilities in new and inspiring ways.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
When most people think, talk or try to research investment, they often focus on opportunities in areas like real estate and stocks. For many people, investment is all about financial gains. Of course, pursuing and building an investment portfolio that would yield financial gains is a commendable feat. Yet, an investment that is equally as important, if not more, is self-investment.
Self-investment is hard because one can often be their own worst enemy, as they are intimately aware of their weaknesses and insecurities, which can lead to self-doubt and self-sabotage. Their inner critic often amplifies their fears and magnifies their failures, hindering their progress and potential for growth.
According to Warren Buffet, one of the most successful and wealthiest men in the world, "The best investment you can make is an investment in yourself… The more you learn, the more you'll earn." This statement is not cliché; it is straightforward and practical, but people still often overlook the importance of self-investment.
Whether you want to earn the highest figures, reach the peak of your professional career or become a better person overall, investing in yourself is non-negotiable. It's that sort of investment that yields a substantial gain every time.
Now that we're in a constantly and rapidly evolving era, self-investment — an investment in personal development and self-growth, is the best insurance policy for these challenging times. Here are some instances of how self-investment can set you up to nurture growth, personal fulfillment and career success.
Enhancing personal growth and development
It's impossible to talk about self-investment without its impact on personal growth and development. Self-investment involves using available resources to improve your overall well-being. This goes beyond formal education; self-investment sets one on a path of continuous learning and development by pursuing passions, curiosity and innate skills. Apart from the apparent rewards, those who remain dedicated cultivate adaptability and resilience — the ability to be flexible, composed and decisive in crucial times. These traits are essential for anyone who will successfully navigate today's competition and uncertainty.
By investing in their personal growth and development, individuals become self-aware and authentic to their true selves. This sets the foundation for a purposeful and successful life.
Related: Want to Succeed? Learn to Say 'No'
Promoting mental and physical well-being
Most people are not proactive, paying little to no attention to their mental and physical well-being in pursuing success until a problem arises, and then they react. People often believe their physical and psychological well-being must suffer if they're to attain success until a problem arises. This couldn't be farther from the truth; to give yourself the best chance of achieving your goals, your mental and physical well-being has to be in the best conditions possible. By investing in your mental and physical well-being, you get to
- Sustain your energy and productivity for longer periods due to improved fitness levels.
- Cultivate the habit of remaining focused and peaceful because you know how to manage stress.
- Operate at your optimal level and give your best effort daily because you're well-rested.
By investing in a sound mind and body, you strengthen your cognitive and problem-solving skills, thereby increasing your chances of excelling in your ambitions.
Facilitating financial excellence
While it's true that the reward for most investments is money, self-investment promises more than just financial gains. Self-investment helps nurture a healthy relationship with the pursuit of money. You can create feasible financial goals because you understand the importance of savings and planning. The result is that it almost looks like you earn more than you do because you still have enough to pursue your goals and aspirations. By investing in yourself, you equip yourself with the basics and foundational knowledge necessary to live the life you aspire for.
Advancing your career
Global incidents in the last couple of years, like the pandemic, have emphasized that the modern workplace is dynamic. You can't afford to stay stagnant. However, when you consciously invest in yourself, you plug yourself into lifelong learning and the perfection of your strengths. By so doing, even when there are disruptions, you're well equipped not just to cope and stay relevant but also to use such disruptions to further advance your career.
Also, proper self-investment allows you to refine your skill set continuously, thus giving you the right to establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry.
Related: Why You Need to Invest in Your Happiness (and How to Do It)
Improving social and emotional intelligence
The success and meaning of every relationship, whether personal or business, are determined by those involved's social and emotional intelligence. By investing in yourself, you develop the ability to communicate effectively. Improved emotional intelligence means not only knowing what to say and when to inspire those around you, but you're also able to gracefully manage and resolve conflicts, thereby making you a professional and distinguished leader. This modern day is characterized by diversity, so interpersonal skills, empathy and emotional regulation are needed to navigate social complexities with grace successfully.
Building legacy and impact
The final reason we're going to discuss self-investment is the subsequent impact such a person can have in the community. By striving to become the best possible version of ourselves, we spread our impact and influence across our immediate environment. This impact can come from providing resources, mentorship or philanthropy to drive progress and build a legacy in society. To put this in simple terms, the better we become as individuals, the better our contributions and services to society will be.
Related: 4 Ways to Begin Investing in Yourself
Conclusion
It's worth remembering that the best investment anyone can make is to invest in themselves. This is particularly important in our present-day society, where material success and external validation are primarily the order of the day. An investment in core values like self-development and purpose-driven growth will set anyone apart. Not only does self-investment set you apart, but you also give yourself a better advantage in achieving all your goals while living a prosperous and fulfilling life.
In navigating the challenges of our modern society, we should always remember that our greatest investment lies in treasures within. When leaders and entrepreneurs embrace and practice this reality, they realize their 'value' possibilities in new and inspiring ways.
