What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word “investment”? Banking? Online trading? Forex? It is not a surprise if your answer to any of these is yes, simply because this is the reality we wake up to every single morning. We are slaves of our financial system, working ourselves to the bone stressing over job cuts, saving for pensions and paying the mortgage for a house that might not ever become our own. Fair enough we hope for a generous return, but meanwhile we are miserable. What if I told you there is a better way of investing in your future?

 

The world is constantly telling you that the path to a better life is more, more and more – buy more, own more, earn more, be more. In reality, what happens is that we don’t need even a half of what we possess to be happy. Research by The Journal of Positive Psychology found that once you have achieved a “comfortable standard”, where you have what you need to function and be content, additional income or goods do not make you any happier. So what’s the point? 

 

Rachel Jones who blogs at Nourishing Minimalism discovered the joy of less when her family decided to remove 2008 items in 2008 from their home. They enjoyed it so much she wrote that they also removed 2009 items in 2009, and have continued every year since. “This change in our lives, eliminating the unnecessary so we can focus more on what really matters, has caused me to evaluate my own thoughts and beliefs,” says Rachel.

 

Think differently. That’s what I want to encourage you to do today.

 

The main problem with investing is that it’s presumed to be expensive and consumerist in nature. In reality, an investment doesn’t necessarily need to cost a fortune. It can even be free. Think about investing your time and energy into bringing new ideas to life or learning a new skill. Care about what is true, essential and what’s more important – immediate; and start living accordingly.

 

“We joke about first-world problems,” says personal development blogger Mark Manson, “but we really have become victims of our own success.” Stress-related health issues, depression cases and anxiety disorders have skyrocketed over the past 30 years, and are now killing more people than car crashes according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. More than 90% of people committing suicide have a diagnosable clinical depression, often in combination with anxiety. But this has nothing to do with material possessions as almost everyone has a flat-screen TV and can have their groceries delivered. “Our crisis is no longer material,” says Mark, “it is existential and spiritual.”

 

Remember: you are your own biggest project, and you should “pay” yourself first before you pay for anything else. This new approach encourages you to see everything in your life as an investment: from material possessions to all the activities you engage in daily. Stop wasting your precious time and energy on things that do not add to your personal wellbeing. Revise your idea of good living, get rid of all unnecessary clutter, and you will find yourself to be a much happier, healthier and more successful person than you have ever been before.

 

Here is a little guide to help you make the first step.

 

 

6 best ways to invest in yourself

 

Start with your space

 

Join Rachel Jones for yearly decluttering, or try out the KonMari (see below) method to clear your space. To maintain the result, stick to one-in-one-out approach and only choose items that are well-made, durable, and versatile.

 

The greatest wealth is health

 

Taking care of your body and mental state is important as ever. Making healthier choices will allow you more energy to tick things off your to-do-lists, while dedicating some time to yoga or breathing exercises will help you invigorate and relax. Research has shown that breath awareness and the ability to regulate it are key in terms of reducing stress and appreciating the moment, both of which are needed to feel happier.

 

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest

 

Heard of that? Self-improvement and success often occur together, and constant learning is essential for self-growth. Read educational books, start a short course or attend a few workshops. Not only it will pay you off in the future, but also you can enjoy the process.

 

Relationships we have lie at the heart of life

 

Devoting time, attention, and love to the people in our lives pays more dividends than any material goods.

 

Focus on being productive rather than busy

 

Making decisions all day every day wears down our willpower. Investing in your productivity would mean spending more time on planning ahead, which would then help you avoid making rushed decisions or buying things that you don’t need or certainly like. In turn, this would help you keep your mind and space “clutter-free” and save money for bigger investments. Simplify, as it would leave you more energy and willpower to focus on bigger things.

 

Add some creative chaos to your life

 

A certain amount is healthy. It stimulates growth and excitement, and can bring a change. Do something you have never thought of doing before and stop making everything about achieving some goal. Instead, just enjoy yourself.

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Want to know more?

 

• Marie Kondo, author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying

Key thesis: unless you truly, deeply love an item, it has no business in your home.

Method (KonMari): “Start by discarding. Then organise your space, thoroughly, completely in one go. If you adopt this strategy, you’ll never revert to clutter again.”

 

• Rachel Jones, author of Nourishing Minimalism

Key thesis: reducing the amount of physical possessions in your home gives freedom to your life.

Method: “Routines are key in having a home you enjoy. Complete the right tasks, and your home will feel as if it’s cleaning itself.”

 

• Mark Manson, author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

Key thesis: f*ck positivity.

• “Improving our lives hinges not on our ability to turn lemons into lemonade, but on learning to stomach lemons better.”