Here are the investments that don’t usually require extra cash.
Invest in All Four Areas of Life
Unlike what’s implied by the puzzle in the picture, I believe that these four areas are not simply parts of being human but we actually possess them. Yes, as humans, God gave us these components that we must learn how to have control or dominion over. Self awareness, self control and discipline are all important factors in order to be successful in controlling them. It can hardly be explained, but it’s a Biblical insight I have heard from Bro. Eli during the first day of our International Thanksgiving on April 6, 2018.
You will see that these investments are not only hinged on the physical and financial aspects of our lives but they’re connected to the mind (learning), heart (love, emotions), and spirituality. Here are the investments where we can really expect HUGE short-term and long-term gains.
1. Invest Time in your Loved ones.
It’s an intrinsic human need. -To give and receive attention. Even if you’re working 40-hour weeks or more, it’s still possible to allot quality time to your loved ones. If you’re in a situation where you want to spend more time with your family but you just can’t, I’d suggest you find a way out as soon as you can. Sometimes, focusing only on the physical and particularly in the financial side robs us of quality time for our family. It’s quite an obvious lesson you’ve probably heard before but it’s worth reiterating.
2. Invest in your Physical Health.
Aside from the usual “just exercise more” advice, while waiting for the markets to turn or for your ‘eggs to hatch’, you might want to complete that round of checkup you missed last year. If a vacation is still affordable, moreso a doctor’s visit. Some people are scared at finding out underlying health problems but for me, this could be a liberating experience. At least, you’ll be informed and will have a chance to change the habits that are possibly putting unnecessary stress to your body.
3. Invest in your Mental Health. Explore to keep your brain active.
Learning something new allows your brain to “restructure” itself. It makes new connections when trying something it hasn’t done before. Some say that even driving a new route or trying to relearn an activity, like brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand is going to ‘exercise’ your brain and keep it performing at its peak. It’s not limited to chores or your area of expertise. You can read about and start a new hobby. It is also known to increase one’s motivation. Thanks to the internet, it’s not usually expensive to obtain information about anything under the sun. It takes only a few minutes to get started reading on interesting topics you haven’t explored before.
4. Invest in something new. -New ICOs coins, skills, etc.
When the markets are on the bears’ side, I’m busy finding more information on which ICOs or new coins are worth investing in. Obviously, most investors don’t earn as much so just like what I mentioned in one of my previous posts, it’s a time for sacrifice and cost-cutting. Staying at home and studying new ICOs everyday is what I usually do. Once I find something in my “circle”, I get ready to “pull the trigger”. Data analysis is not everyone’s best friend but every brain needs to somehow feed on information. To keep learning is to ‘keep oil circulating in your engine’.
Every new skill you acquire doesn’t only “exercise” your brain but in itself, it can be your investment for the future. Sometimes, learning a new skill, like cooking or photography, is analogous to learning a new language or installing a new ‘app’ into your brain. Remarkably, some skills like swimming and driving, once mastered, takes a while (even years) to be forgotten. Who knows, you might help save a life in a future emergency if you learned how to drive today, even if you don’t have to?
5. Invest in seeking new opportunity.
A simple example is when I created Vlogs before, which I found as an opportunity to learn a new skill. I learned how to use a new app as well. Although I didn’t earn money particularly on making those videos, they became great resources for friends who needed help. Also, if new opportunities come up where Vlogs are needed, I will have acquired the basic skills needed to get started quickly.
This also means seeking to earn multiple streams of income. Diversify not only your investments but opportunities as well. This is a broad topic but I’m sure you get the idea and you probably already know some examples of opportunities you haven’t grabbed yet. Why not try one or at least learn more about it?
6. Invest in Exploring New places.
I don’t splurge on traveling a lot, but I find traveling an opportunity to unwind and regain motivation. This is the first time we set foot in Brazil. I’m not required to go here unlike in another religion where they have to visit a certain city at least once in a lifetime. -But meeting Bro. Eli in person is one of the things in my ‘bucket list’ that I just ticked off. - Or if God will give me another opportunity in the future, of course, I’d go for it. It’s not only about seeing new places but also, having unique experiences as well.
“New places” doesn’t necessarily mean a long flight or an expensive restaurant. It really depends on what you value and where you think you can renew your spirituality as well. The four areas of life I mentioned are really interconnected.
7. Invest Time Reading Bible.
Learn who God is and what he wants for us. I’m sure you won’t disagree if you’re a Christian or a believer in God. Invest time in seeking God’s grace. -In investing time and money in this area, you can never go wrong.
