The Best Investment You Can Make

Through the years, I’ve received many inquiries from friends, acquaintances, social media connections, and others asking about the best investments they can make. 

They’re usually aware of my background in finance, and they also know I’m committed to constant-and-never-ending improvement in every area of life – including financial investments. Many also know that I’ve written extensively about the importance of saving and investing, in articles, blog posts, and in my books.

I believe very strongly in investing in stocks and other financial investments, businesses (via private equity and in other forms), and real estate.

When asked the question, “What’s the best investment I can make?” I always give the exact same answer, without hesitation.

Invest in yourself.

The best investment you can make is investing in yourself. This form of investment involves doing what it takes to ensure you have the skills, knowledge, and tools for optimal success. This used to be optional, especially years ago when the trend was to work for one company your entire career. In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing society, though, this is no longer the case. You are either moving forward or backwards – there is no status quo.

When I have this conversation with people, I sometimes get pushback on the cost associated with investing in yourself.

“I can’t afford it,” is a common reaction.

I quickly respond that they can’t afford not to invest in themselves. And neither can you.

I also have discussions with people who believe generally in the concept, but are skeptical about its application in their own lives. They think continuous learning makes sense for others, but not for them. The misconception is that they’re so advanced in their career, or in life, that it doesn’t make sense for them to continue learning and growing.

Don’t be fooled by this false logic. No matter how old you are, or how long you’ve been in business, investing in your own personal and professional development will help you stay at the top of your game.

And, if you are in any state of change or transformation whatsoever, or if you are even thinking about shifting or growing in one or more areas of your life, then investing in yourself is essential.

The bottom line is this: If you are not constantly learning and growing, then you have only yourself to blame when you get left behind. Avoid that trap, and make the decision now to invest in your own success and personal development. 

Here are a few ways to get started:

1. Read one hour per day

Read something one hour per day in your chosen field, or in the area of personal development, or both. If you do this for one hour per day, you will become an expert in your field in just three years.

I’m a voracious reader, and currently read an average of a book a week. I recommend you read voraciously, too. Read periodicals and books related to your career or area of interest, and read outside your area of interest, too.

2. Listen to podcasts

There are literally thousands of podcasts on every topic imaginable, including business, entrepreneurship, politics, sports, technology, news, music, health, hobbies, and more. Most podcasts are free, and are easy to access through popular platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, as well as a variety of other podcasting directories and apps.

As with books, listening to podcasts can help you develop your expertise in your chosen career or other area of interest.

3. Attend seminars, workshops, and classes

It takes hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of hours to create a seminar, workshop, or class. When you attend one, you can benefit from someone else’s efforts to distill the most important information on that topic. In addition to in-person events, many platforms exist online today, providing convenient access. Examples of online learning include Masterclass, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning. Events are offered for every subject imaginable, and the information learned can have a tremendous impact on your life.

4. Hire a coach

Last week, I interviewed Fabiola Kim for my podcast, LifeExcellence with Brian Bartes. Fabiola is a classical violinist who, at the age of just seven, made her concerto debut with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. During our interview, Fabiola indicated the primary criteria for selecting a music school should be the teacher, and stressed the vital role a teacher plays in a musician’s career.

This is not unique to music, as you obviously realize. The best athletes all have coaches. LeBron James, Simone Biles, Tom Brady. I read recently that Phil Mickelson not only has a coach to help him improve his golf swing, but also has a performance coach to help him with the mental aspect of his golf game.

So, if the greatest athletes in the world all have coaches, and the top classical musicians all have coaches, doesn’t it make sense for you to have a coach?

Imagine having someone to challenge and motivate you to be your best, in every area of your life. Someone to provide insight, guidance, encouragement and momentum to help you move forward. Helping you to discover and capitalize on new opportunities, both personally and professionally. Creating a “bridge” that will take you from where you are now to where you want to be. Enabling you to achieve your goals and dreams faster, easier, and with greater predictability than ever before! 

If you’re serious about achieving your goals, and are committed to improving yourself both personally and professionally, then make the decision today to invest in yourself. It’s the best investment you can make!