invest in yourself

everyone talks about building a stock portfolio. almost nobody talks about building a personal portfolio - the collection of skills, knowledge, health, and relationships that determine the actual quality of your life.

here's the truth: the best investment you'll ever make isn't in the market. it's in the six inches between your ears and the body that carries it around.

why self-investment beats everything

when you invest in the S&P 500, you might get 10% annual returns if you're lucky. when you invest in a new skill, the returns are unlimited and they compound in ways no financial instrument can match.

learn to code and you can build products that generate income forever. get in great shape and your energy, confidence, and longevity all skyrocket. develop emotional intelligence and every relationship in your life improves simultaneously.

the dividends from self-investment aren't just financial - they're experiential, relational, and existential. you don't just make more money. you become more capable, more interesting, and more alive.

where to allocate your capital

think of yourself as a portfolio with five asset classes:

• physical health - gym memberships, quality food, recovery tools, preventive care
• mental health - therapy, meditation apps, coaching, retreats
• skills and education - courses, books, workshops, certifications
• relationships - travel with people you love, hosting dinners, meaningful experiences together
• experiences - adventures that expand your worldview and push your comfort zone

most people over-invest in one category and neglect the rest. the goal is balance across all five.

the compounding effect nobody talks about

here's what makes self-investment magical: the categories feed each other. better physical health gives you more energy for learning. more knowledge makes you better at relationships. stronger relationships create opportunities for new experiences. new experiences give you perspective that improves your mental health.

it's a flywheel. once it starts spinning, the returns accelerate.

take 10% of what you'd normally put into savings or investments this month and redirect it into yourself. buy that course. book that trainer. sign up for that retreat. the returns will dwarf anything wall street can offer.

if this resonated, share it with someone who needs to hear it.