The 5 Best Investments You Can Make in Yourself
When I first started learning about money, the first thing I dove into was stocks. Everyone seemed to talk about how stocks were the best way to build wealth, so I thought, “Why not?” But what I quickly realized is that investing in stocks isn’t what I needed at the time.
I had no money, no foundation, and no skills. Throwing what little I had into stocks wasn’t an investment—it was a distraction. I wasn’t building anything real or gaining the tools to improve my life.
That’s when it hit me: If I wanted to change my situation, I had to stop looking outside for the answers and start investing in myself. When you invest in yourself, the returns are limitless. Here’s how I shifted my focus and the five best ways you can do the same.
1. Invest in Your Health
When I stopped focusing on quick financial wins, I realized the most valuable asset I had was my health. Your body and mind are the engines for everything you want to achieve, so taking care of them is non-negotiable.
Why It Matters: A healthy body gives you the energy to pursue your goals, and a clear mind helps you stay focused and resilient.
How to Start:
Prioritize movement, whether it’s a daily walk or a simple workout routine.
Eat to fuel your body with affordable, nutritious meals.
Protect your sleep—it’s the cheapest and most effective way to recharge.
Personal Note: My fitness journey taught me discipline and consistency, which translated to every other area of my life. This investment gave me the confidence to take on bigger challenges.
2. Invest in Your Knowledge
When I stopped chasing stocks and started reading, everything changed. The more I learned, the more I grew. Books, courses, and even free content online became the building blocks of my future.
Why It Matters: Knowledge is something no one can take from you. It multiplies over time and opens doors you never knew existed.
How to Start:
Read life-changing books like Atomic Habits, Think and Grow Rich, and Can’t Hurt Me.
Take free or low-cost online courses to build new skills.
Listen to podcasts or watch YouTube videos that inspire and educate you.
Personal Note: Books became my teachers when I didn’t have mentors. Every page I turned gave me ideas, strategies, and the mindset I needed to grow.
3. Invest in Your Mental Health
When I was stuck trying to “make it” through stocks, I ignored the toll it was taking on my mind. The stress, self-doubt, and constant feeling of being behind held me back more than I realized. Taking care of my mental health became one of the best investments I ever made.
Why It Matters: Your mental health affects everything—your relationships, your work, and your ability to grow.
How to Start:
Journal to process your thoughts and clear your mind.
Practice mindfulness with free guided meditations on YouTube or apps.
Set boundaries to protect your energy and focus.
Personal Note: Once I started prioritizing my mental health, I gained clarity and confidence. It allowed me to focus on what truly mattered instead of chasing distractions.
4. Invest in Your Relationships
When I stopped wasting time on stocks, I realized I wasn’t investing enough in the people around me. Your relationships are one of the most important assets you’ll ever have—they can elevate you, inspire you, and hold you accountable.
Why It Matters: The right relationships help you grow personally and professionally.
How to Start:
Spend time with people who challenge and inspire you.
Cut ties with toxic influences that hold you back.
Join communities or groups that align with your goals and values.
Personal Note: Surrounding myself with supportive people reminded me of my potential and kept me motivated, even when things felt tough.
5. Invest in Your Goals
When I was trying to invest in stocks, I didn’t have a clear goal. I was just chasing money. But once I started focusing on what I truly wanted, everything changed. Setting real goals and working toward them every day became the most rewarding investment I ever made.
Why It Matters: Goals give you purpose, direction, and a reason to keep going when things get hard.
How to Start:
Write down your goals and break them into actionable steps.
Celebrate small wins to stay motivated.
Commit to showing up every day, even when progress feels slow.
Personal Note: Building Marcalaya Insights and The Pure Vital started with a simple goal: to create something meaningful. Step by step, I turned that vision into reality.
Conclusion: Invest in What Truly Matters
Looking back, I don’t regret trying stocks—it taught me a valuable lesson. You can’t build something meaningful if you’re chasing shortcuts. The real wealth comes from investing in yourself, your skills, and your relationships.
If you’re struggling to figure out where to start, focus on what you can control: your health, your knowledge, your mindset, and your goals. When you pour into yourself, the returns will come—far greater than any stock ever could.
What’s the first area you’ll invest in today? Let me know—I’d love to hear about your journey.
