Investing in your true self really doesn’t take a lot of money, but it does take some time. Have you ever sat down and wrote out what matters most to you? Did you write down things like owning a home or purchasing a new car? Or did you write down something less costly, like a new mattress or new bedding, or a skin care regimen, or a good, quality bra? Whatever matters most to you is what you should invest in so you can embrace your true, authentic self.
I wanted to share with you a few ways I invested in myself, and pass along some ideas on how you can invest in yourself and do what matters most to you.
After I graduated from college and got my first apartment, I invested my time into my new job as a newspaper reporter. It was my first job out of college and I felt like I was putting my English degree to good use. You might not see this as an investment, but it gave me some much needed writing experience and I developed some media connections that I would take with me to my next job in public relations, where I stayed for six years.
After getting burned out on the politics of public relations, I took a leap of faith, stepped into the medical field, and became a medical assistant. Just a few years ago, the state of Tennessee began requiring all medical assistants either be “registered” or “certified.” By that time, I had been a medical assistant for over 10 years. To comply with this new requirement, I invested in a couple of study guides and spent about four months studying for my RMA {registered medical assistant} test. That investment paid off and I passed my test with a 94. In turn, my employer rewarded my hard work generously.
I’ve been blogging since January 2012, but it wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I invested in myself and my blog, and moved from a free blogging platform to a self-hosted platform. Also, I never thought of monetizing with my blog until I attending my first BlogHer conference a couple of years ago. I don’t make hundreds or even thousands of dollars with my blog, but I love the fact that various companies and brands have reached out to me for collaborations or have asked me to work on one of their campaigns. To me, working with those companies and brands – whether I get paid or not – is an investment in a relationship with them for future {compensated} work.
So enough about me. Are you looking for ways to invest in your true self? Well, True & Co. and I have come up with a few ideas on how you can invest in yourself. So now, ask yourself this question: What matters to you?
1. For your SLEEP
When I moved into my second apartment, I invested in a super comfortable full-size mattress set and new bedding. After I got married, I gave that mattress set to my grandparents, who put it in one of their guest bedrooms. Years later, that bed was still very soft, yet supportive, and still looked brand new.
Along with a good mattress, actually using it to get a good night’s rest in also an investment in yourself. I’m used to getting between four-to-six hours of sleep per night. It’s a miracle if I get over 7 hours, regardless of what time I get in bed. Invariably, I will stay up late working on a blog post, catching up on my emails, reading an online newspaper/magazine, or editing my brother’s college papers (oh, hello 4 a.m., it’s so nice to see you!). I always thought that the reason I stayed up so late was because of my metabolism. That was a good excuse when I was in college, but it doesn’t necessarily work well for me today. As I get older (and as I doggie paddle my way through menopause), insomnia has set up shop. Melatonin has become my best friend, but sometimes my mind wanders and no amount of melatonin will shut off my brain. And to be honest with you, I’m still working on developing a consistent sleep routine.
2. For your HEALTH
I’ve got a small confession to make. I was a tanning bed addict. I thought I looked good, but I saw a photo of myself with two Miss Tennessee titleholders {from 2000 and 2001} and their skin had this healthy, beautiful glow. Meanwhile, mine looked like tanned leather. I decided right then and there that I needed to put my best face forward. I didn’t stop going to the tanning salon until years later, but I did stop tanning my face. I also invested in a good skincare regimen. I used Clinique’s three-step system for several years. Now I use mainly Mary Kay products, but I’m not afraid to try new products, like the kind I get in my FabFitFun boxes. Taking care of your skin can be a major investment, but just simply washing it, and applying sunscreen, and using moisturizer is a good start too.
3. For your COMFORT
Okay, ladies. Finding a comfortable, yet stylish, bra is like searching for the Holy Grail. I already hate trying on clothes, so what makes you think I’m going to spend half a day trying on different style bras in hopes of finding one that is both comfortable and stylish?
I read somewhere that bras should be replaced every 6-8 months. You can make them last longer by rotating them and washing them in cold water. One expert said that washing machines cause the padding in bras to lose their shape. And if you wear the same bra frequently, like I have a habit of doing, the elastic won’t last much longer than half a year before it starts to become slack and unsupportive.
True & Co. makes finding the most flattering style bra for your specific shape easy with their fit quiz. They recognize that there is so much more to the fit of a bra than just the band and cup size.
4. For your HOME
I mentioned earlier that I invested in a new mattress and new bedding when I moved into my second apartment. Another good investment, especially if you like to cook, is a good set of pots and pans. I didn’t really get any new pots or pans until I got engaged, and a few years ago, my husband and I inherited his grandmother’s pots that she purchased 30+ years ago. I love to cook in those pots because they are good quality pots. I have purchased several cookie sheets over the years, and found that the low quality ones didn’t hold up as well as the ones in which I invested a little more money.
Also, investing in a good slow cooker will ensure that you will always have a good hot meal. You’d be surprised what all you can make in a slow cooker — meats, veggies, even desserts. Nice dishes and silverware are another good investment, especially when you’re throwing a dinner party for friends. Even a mish-mash of nice dinnerware is better than cracked plates or bowls.
5. For your FUTURE
Investing in your future is vital. When you get your first “real” job, do yourself a favor and invest in a retirement plan, Roth IRA, or 401K. If your employer doesn’t offer these benefits, then make an appointment with a financial planner at your bank. They can help you decide which retirement plan, Roth IRA, or 401K is best for you. My husband and I have an IRA account set up at our local credit union, and we can transfer funds to it from out checking account.
Some other ways to invest in yourself includes: traveling; spending time with others; setting goals; investing in your creativity; reading; attending workshops and seminars; exercising; investing in a coach or mentor; practicing gratitude; learning a new skill; and stopping the cycle of procrastination and developing a routine.
R.J. Weiss, CFP, said it best when describing what investing in yourself really means: “Investing resources today to improve the quality of your life in the future.”
How do you invest in yourself? In what ways do you embrace in your true self? I’d love to hear about ways you invest in yourself, so leave a comment below.
Yours Truly,
Vanessa
