Invest in yourself – 25 ways to a richer life

Sometimes, the best investment move is to invest in yourself – your health, education, career and family.

The principle is similar to making a monetary investment; when you invest today, you reap the benefits in the future.

Here are 25 meaningful ways to invest in yourself to ensure that you will be the best that you can be!

Click "next" to get some inspiring ideas.

Invest in your health and beauty

"I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival." - Audre Lorde, writer, feminist and civil rights activist

1. Start a regular exercise routine

Many people wait until it's too late to start an exercise routine. Even if you are not overweight or suffering with something like diabetes, regular exercise is one of the best ways of investing in your future.

2. Eat mindfully

What you put into your body now will have repercussions in the future. Avoid trans fats, control your salt and sugar intake, and eat a balanced and nutritious diet. Do it now to minimise risks to your health later in life.

3. Protect your skin from the sun

Overexposure to the sun can cause skin issues like age spots, pigmentation, wrinkles and even skin cancer. If you haven’t been using a sun cream, start using a broad spectrum SPF sunscreen now. Your skin will thank you later!

4. Start a beauty regime as early as in your 20s

The skin’s aging process can start as early as in your 20s. So, cleanse your face well and use a good quality moisturiser that suits your skin.

Don’t neglect the rest of your body either. Slather on moisturiser to keep your skin soft and supple. Dry skin tends to wrinkle faster.

5. Take care of your body

Bad recreational habits can have devastating and irreversible effects. Take care of yourself and avoid abusing your body. Taking drugs, abusing medications, smoking and imbibing excess alcohol can drastically cut down your life expectancy.

Invest in knowledge

"An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." - Benjamin Franklin, scientist, inventor, writer and one of the founding fathers of the United States of America

6. Invest in your education and acquire new skills

The benefits you reap from investing in your education will surpass many other investments you make. When you invest in knowledge, you are also investing in your marketability.

In an increasingly competitive working environment, it helps to have new skills. You never know, you may discover a niche that can make your career more fulfilling.

7. Learn a new language

When you learn a new language, you are also increasing your prospects and making your resume more interesting. Or, at the very least, you will know your way around a foreign country when travelling!

Free language lessons abound on the Internet. You can start here.

8. Take up a hobby

Do you have a pet project? Maybe it’s taking pictures, baking, or writing.

Pursue your interests with passion. Who knows, you might be able to convert your hobby into a money-making empire like many successful entrepreneurs have done in the past.

9. Read, read, read!

Reading does wonders to your brain. It keeps your mind alert, expands your vocabulary and encourages you to think more imaginatively.

In need of a booklist? Start here.

Invest in your career

"The swiftest way to triple your success is to double your investment in personal development." - Robin Sharma, motivational speaker, leadership expert, and writer

10. Get certified

Apart from a basic qualification, getting a certification in a particular subject can be a huge advantage, even if it is not directly linked to your field. It differentiates you from the competition and gives you an edge.

11. Build your personal brand

Be mindful about how your online presence looks like. Take a minute to Google yourself. Are you happy with what turns up?

If you want to target potential employers in a positive way, create a comprehensive profile on a website like LinkedIn complete with a professional photo and an impressive write-up.

12. Learn public speaking

When it comes to careers, first impressions mean a lot. How you present yourself and, most importantly how you speak, can make lasting impressions.

However, speaking confidently does not come naturally to most. Take advantage of the available public speaking courses for adults at schools like Lorna Whiston and The British Council to improve your skills.

13. Invest time on networking

Business networking is a valuable way to make professional connections, find new opportunities and get noticed in business circles.

Networking is not always about business, though. By attending seminars and networking events, you can meet like-minded people and even make some new friends.

There are many organisations in Singapore that you can join to meet other professional people like yourself. Here are some:

Invest in finding your inner-self

"Everything that you'll ever be, is already inside of you. That's why you need to find your inner self - to know who you really are." - Author unknown

14. List the blessings in your life

You definitely have much to be thankful for, you just have to look and recognise your blessings. List them down to give you a much needed emotional pick-me-up when you are feeling down.

15. Discover your strengths and limitations

It is always easier to find success in whatever you do if you know your strengths and weaknesses.

Learn more about yourself by taking an online "strength finder" quiz. Another way to do it is to be true to yourself and write down what you're good at and where you need help.

16. Find your passion in life

What subjects and causes are you passionate about? It could be teaching kids, global warming, new frontiers in medicine or even parenting. You are bound to be happier in a career or job that focuses on something that you love.

17. Meditate!

Meditating has ample benefits to both mind and body. Meditating after a long day will not only relax you, but will help you process what happened during the day as well. It will make you understand yourself better and accept yourself for who you are.

18. Find a mentor

Getting help from an experienced person can give you a boost in the direction you want to go. It could be a colleague, a teacher or someone you look up to.

19. Be inspired spiritually

Spiritual inspiration can mean different things to different people. Some find spiritual inspiration through praying to a divine being, while others find it through finding themselves.

Whatever your beliefs are, being spiritually aware can make you feel happier and more fulfilled.

Invest in relationships that matter

"Protect your space and circle. Invest in people who you know will feed you just as much goodness as you do them." - Anonymous

20. Invest in quality time with your children

In between work, chores, school, homework and classes, parents often struggle to find time to spend with their kids.

Even if it’s for just an hour a day before bed time, make the time you spend together count by giving them your fullest attention, asking them about their day, and telling them how much you love them.

21. Invest in your marriage

When kids come along, it is easy to put your relationship with your spouse on the back burner.

As much as it is important to spend quality time with your kids, don’t forget to spend one-on-one time with your spouse as well.

Even if it means scheduling weekly date-nights in your diary, remember that marriage is something that also needs time, effort and nurturing to grow into something that will last a lifetime.

22. Don’t forget your parents

They invested in you when you were little and now is the time for you to show your love and gratitude.

It doesn't have to be about showering them with material things, though. Visit your parents and talk to them regularly. Make sure your kids also spend time with their grandparents and get to know them well.

23. Take vacations

We work hard all year long and often forget to take a break. A break in terms of a vacation can do a lot of good for a busy family.

Get into the practice of taking regular breaks with your loved ones, exploring new places, having new experiences and making memories together.

24. Take photographs

When you are making memories with your family, take a minute to photograph the moment.

As time goes on, although certain memories may escape you, you can look back on your photographs and remember all the wonderful times you shared together.

25. Invest in good friends

True, loyal friends can make your life richer and more meaningful. While is it important to know how to choose good friends, it is also important to know how to build lasting friendships.

Make sure you spend time with your closest friends and stand by them in both happy and trying times. Remember, like any good relationship, lasting friendships are built on mutual trust and respect.

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Written by

Minoli Almeida

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