Such a terrific quote from Warren Buffett! But do you live it? And if so, how? Today I’m sharing three sure-fire ways to invest in yourself, all of which have led me to a richer and more satisfying life.
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1. Travel
If you are a regular reader of Natty Gal, it will come as no surprise to you that travel is one of my favorite pursuits. It’s also a fantastic way to invest in yourself. Experience is the ultimate teacher and travel provides you with LOTS of new experiences in a short time, distinguishing it from most of our day-to-day lives.
Travel is one of the few things you can spend money on that will make you richer”.
Various attributions
To not only view a sight that you’ve previously only experienced through books, online or on TV but to feel it…via the climate, the sounds, the scents, is an opportunity not quickly forgotten.
Travel increases confidence. You’ll encounter language and cultural difference and, at times, be disoriented. But when you successfully work through these differences (as I know you will), you earn a sense of increased self-worth and competence.
Lastly, travel makes you appreciate how fortunate most of us in the US or Western Europe are. There is a saying that “happiness comes NOT from getting what you want but wanting and appreciating what you have”. You’ll most certainly appreciate even the mundane things in your life so much more after a stint out in the rest of the world.
2. Keep Learning
I’ll argue that education is a second thing that you can spend money on that makes you richer! Learning can take so many different forms. Whether you decide to enroll in a program of formal coursework, use a free online resource or attend a local seminar, education always seems to be worth the time and/or money invested in it.
Not all learning has to be career-oriented, either. Sometimes it’s fun to try strictly pleasure-centered new activities like rock climbing, paddle-boarding, a cooking or craft class or learning a new language. Added bonus: Continually learning new things keeps you an interesting person!
3. Quality over Quantity
The older I get, the more committed I become to purchasing quality over quantity. Focusing on fewer, better things has become integral to helping me develop and maintain a more simple and satisfying life.
Because most of us can’t afford to splurge everywhere, below are some of my top picks for quality goods!
- Clothing:
- Foundation wear: (check out True & Co., a female-founded intimate apparel brand that has the <perfect bra for any shape!)
- Shoes
- Handbags
For more on a simpler, better quality wardrobe, read this post.
- Home Goods:
- Knives – NOBODY likes a cheap knife. And they’re hazardous.Measuring spoons/cups – Adios, handles that bend!Bedding – On ALL of our beds and they are DIVINE.
Let’s Hear from YOU!
How do you invest in yourself? Are you a material girl or more of an “experiences over things” type? I’d love to hear about your favorite splurges in the comments section!
Until next time…keep cultivating a simple, stylish, and satisfying life!
I love this!!! I used to tutor English to people in other countries. I had a student in her 40s, I was 19 at the time, and she used to say, “All your life, you must learn.” I have carried that with me.
Oh my gosh, what a small world! I too, used to tutor for a local ESOL program! Yes, to me, learning equals growth and when you stop growing, you just stagnate.
I loved reading this post! I think experiences and learning are two of the best ways to invest in yourself! Thanks for sharing and well done 🙂
Thanks so much Katie! Thrilled you stopped by!
I am totally on board with you!! I love to travel and go on new adventures. It IS expensive, but I have never gone on a trip and thought, man, I wish I hadn’t spent money on that! Education, definitely. I have a lot of education and don’t plan to stop learning anytime soon. Being educated helps you make better decisions and just be a better person overall. And shoes and handbags, YES! If you are going to splurge, splurge on footwear and purses for sure!!
So glad to hear we have similar styles of splurging! And there are so many ways to make travel more affordable. We do a lot on hotel and air miles, but like you said, even when fully out of pocket, I’ve never regretted spending the money on travel.
I couldn’t agree more with you! Travel is the best way to invest in yourself in my opinion. The experiences you have from traveling have enormous value.
They really do – teach you so much about life/the world and yourself!
I couldn’t agree more. Traveling has enriched my life in so many aspects because it gives me opportunities and challenges that I won’t otherwise encounter and similarly with education. I am a week out before attending my first blog conference and I couldn’t be more excited. I am nervous as all heck too but the excitement of just learning and meeting new people whether or not they become life long friends are amazing to me. I know I will walk away feeling confident than when I did walking in. That in itself is priceless. Happy Friday and wishing you a beautiful weekend ahead!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Best wishes on the blog conference – am sure it will be an amazing experience! Would love to try one myself one day. It’s like the saying goes “life begins at the end of your comfort zone” and both travel and learning can be uncomfortable at times. But it leads to such growth! Have a great weekend!