Investing is an interesting word because it conjures different ideas depending on the person. It’s not important what you’re investing in as much as that you’re simply making an investment.
You have three constants the rule our lives:
- Time
- Money
- Energy
Unfortunately, you can usually only choose two. You could have time and money but lack the energy to get things done. Money and energy but never have the time. Or energy and time but lack the financial resources to make things happen.
Grrrr.
This poses a huge problem for those wanting to invest. Yet, if we’re willing to try and show patience then we’ll eventually reach that moment of investing where it all pays off.
So, what are some goals worth investing in and how can you get it done when you’re stuck with choosing two out of the three constants?
Money
It would be nice if we didn’t have to stress so much about money. There’s not much you can do without money so instead of demonizing it – perhaps tolerate it and make it work for you.
This can be done any number of ways whether it’s classic routes like a 401k through Schwab or high-tech methods such as hopping on the cryptocurrency wave through Genesis Mining.
Taking control of finances unlocks a wealth of opportunity:
- Great credit creates access to better financing terms and availability
- Invested funds will make the retirement age squishy and stress-free
- Budgeting creates the chance to travel, start businesses, and give more back
The best way to work your way around the three constants is by putting time on your side. It’s finding opportunities like an investment property or taking advantage of employer match with an IRA. The longer you can let the money sit and generate a return (or interest) the more you’ll have when you cash out.
Relationships
It’s the people we’ve known and lives we touched that matter. It’s why so many wish they’ve spent less time working and more time with family, friends, and significant others.
Relationships fulfill a basic human need – love/belonging – along with other parts of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. We improve our physiological, safety, and self-esteem needs through social interaction. Our self-actualization is typically achieved through the help of others.
Investing in relationships isn’t as hard as you think – let those emotional guards down and you’ll see ways to build true connections:
- Take a genuine interest to meeting new people
- Join social circles of your family and friends
- Connect with a common interest but don’t be afraid to explore deeper topics
- Be okay that not all people are meant to be a part of your life
- Develop mutual trust and assistance (help them to help you)
Not all relationships will last but each contributes to our personal growth and that’s worth something at the end of the day, isn’t it?
Education
They say it takes 10,000 hours to become a master of something.
This number was brought up by Malcolm Gladwell that gave a lot of people good vibes and a general timeline for commitment. Well, turns out the 10,000 rule is bunk. Scientists did a study and found that practice only contributes a small portion of how someone reaches mastery.
When we talk about education and learning a new skill or subject you can rest assured you won’t need to spend 416+ days in the thick of it all – instead:
- Learn about learning to understand your mind’s preferred learning style
- Get into the mode of tracking and measuring yourself to notice improvements
- Focus on a sub-skill as a form of deliberatepractice to learn the skill as a whole
- Go headfirst into a demanding position or teaching others to force yourself into mastery
The take-away is to simply get involved and stick with it whether it’s learning on your own or going back to school. It won’t take 10k hours.
It’s your turn… What do you feel is the most important thing to invest in?
