
The new year always brings with it new goals and ideas. When I was thinking about my goals for this year, I realized that in order to achieve them, I have to make investments in myself. The best way to achieve your goals is to become the best you can be, in all different aspects of your life, from your health, to your career to your social life. When you invest in yourself, you’re giving worth to yourself and your goals. You’re allowing yourself to get to the next level in achieving your bigger goals and dreams, whatever that looks like for you.
Here are 5 ways to invest in yourself this year.
1. Education
I’ve always loved going to class and learning (as long as it was a topic I was interested in). I did an extra year in University and then went on to do my Masters, so I don’t think it’s any surprise to hear that I really enjoyed school. But now that I’m no longer in school, doesn’t mean I’ve stopped educating myself.
As a blogger and business owner, there’s always something new to learn and strategies to keep on top of. I’m constantly researching new courses and books and investing in ones that will help my blog and business grow. The second you stop learning is the second you stop growing.
2. Creativity
You should continuously be investing time into creativity. This come mean something different for everyone, from painting to interior decorating to writing to photography to cooking to learning a new language. Creativity allows us to have fun, be inspired and take our focus off the stressors in our lives. If you do something creative for your job, try another creative outlet outside of your work.
I have a friend who just invested in art classes and another who’s learning to become a makeup artist. Since I have a lot of creativity in my work (writing, photography, content creation, etc.), right now I’m learning colour theory and how to custom create makeup like foundations and cream blush and bronzers.
3. Fitness
Fitness is so important to invest in for yourself. Whether it’s a gym membership, yoga, boxing, or spin studio membership, or whatever exercise you love, investing in fitness is always worth it. During the winter months I get pretty unmotivated to go to the gym, but it’s SO important to keep active. It helps when I go to classes with a friend so I have someone holding me accountable. If you have trouble getting motivated, try little tricks like that to get you there.
4. Your Mind
Nurture your mind by reading, writing, engaging in discussions with others who may share a different view point than you, meditate, journal, go to therapy, learn a new skill. Make sure you’re always feeding and nurturing your mind. It’s key for your mood, memory and focus, and should be one of the top things you invest in for yourself.
One of the changes I started implementing at the end of last year is taking Omega-3 vitamins on a daily basis. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to have anti-aging effects on brain function and structure, aiding with memory, cognition and mental health. They also help enhance mood, which is crucial especially in the winter months when it gets darker earlier and we don’t get as much time out in the sun.
5. Your Diet
I’ve really been noticing lately just how much food affects me – both in terms of how I look and how I feel. So many foods (like ones high in gluten, sugar and unhealthy carbs), cause bloat and inflammation and make us feel tired and sluggish. I’m pretty good with making most of my own meals instead of eating out, but I’m trying to cut back on foods like white bread and pasta, processed/canned foods, and foods high in sugar.
Investing in cleaner foods helps you feel better all around and boosts your productivity, energy and mood. Be mindful of the foods you buy at the grocery store and what you order when you eat out.
Related Post: How I Plan to Get Back into a Healthy Routine
Investing in yourself is one of the best ways to achieve your goals and dreams. Are there any other ways you’re planning to invest in yourself this year? Let’s chat!
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Heather @ The Pennywise Playbook
Love this, Kate! You’ve got to take care of #1 before you can take on the world! 😉
Kate
Haha, yes, my thoughts exactly! Thanks so much for stopping by! Xo
The Sophisticated Gal
I absolutely love these ideas for investing in yourself! One way I’ve been investing in myself this year is by spending more time on self-care and dedicating time each day to do yoga 🙂 It has really helped me be more productive and feel much more focused on my goals!
Kristen | http://www.sophisticatedgal.com
Kate
Thanks Kristen! I LOVE yoga!! I’ve totally been slacking on it these past few months, but I went this week and felt so good after! Need to make it more of a habit this year! Xo
mamacranberry
What a great reminder…it is so easy to lose touch with the simple things! Thanks 🙂
Kate
It is, isn’t it! So important to remember the little things that make you happy and all around your best self!
Kierra Makayla
From the very first day of 2018 I began digging into my creativity and it has helped so much! I loved this post. Great read. Also, pinned!
http://www.themodcollective.net
Kate
Thanks so much Kierra! Fostering your creativity is SO important, I’m so happy it’s helped you as we head into 2018! Thanks for stopping by! Xo
leighann
This is amazing–and I think one way I’ve been investing in myself has been taking time to write, create, do anything creative along with my schoolwork, because it’s so easy to get burnt out in grad school. I’m working on the exercising part, which always seems to be the first to go when I get too busy. Thanks for sharing these things to keep in mind going forward!
Kate
I totally feel you, Leighann! School work can definitely lead to burn out (I did grad school as well!), so it’s really important to keep the creativity flowing and exercising helps a ton too! Thanks so much for stopping by! Xo
Andrea Spanik
I’m notoriously really good about investing in myself when it comes to things like clothes, but then not so great about investing in the more practical things, You would think by 26 I would have gotten a handle on this! Apparently not haha. These are all awesome reminders, though. Especially about investing into heathy foods! It’s so easy to out, but you’re so right, when you make healthy choices, it makes a HUGE difference in how you feel 🙂
xo,
Andrea | https://www.hustleandhearts.com/
Kate
Haha, whatever makes you feel GREAT girl!! Retail therapy is totally a thing! And yes, I can’t wait to dig into more healthy meals this year! Me and my mom just made chicken curry and I can’t wait to gobble it up! Have a great night! xoxo