I firmly believe that life, and the path(s) you choose, comes down to one simple question:
“What is worth investing in?”
Whether it be investing your money into an IRA. Investing your energy into launching the business you’ve always dreamed of. Or investing your heart into a cause you’re passionate about. Life is about investments.
And with any investment there is risk involved. Some risks are low-risk mutual funds and others are rapidly fluctuating high-risk stock options (metaphorically speaking).
You’re not always going to have a guarantee on your investment. But the right one’s, the one’s you believe in, even if there may be no promise of a return, are always worth it.
At this very moment, my good friend Natalie Sisson is investing two months of her life, biking across Africa to raise awareness (and money) for an organization that supports and encourages women’s rights. It’s time that she could be working (or doing anything that doesn’t give you a sore ass) – but she’s choosing to spend her time contributing to something (much) bigger than herself.
Sarah Bray is pouring all of her professional energy into a few highly motivated projects, working with no more than twelve intensive “nation building” projects per year. She could potentially be making a *lot* more money taking on as many things as she can get, but she’s (wisely) choosing to focus her energy and resources on a limited number of high-quality clients that also understand and appreciate the significant investment involved.
I invested in some patio furniture, landscaping, and a grill last weekend. Now my wife and I have a wonderful place to relax and enjoy together. A personal investment that set us back a bit in the bank account, but will pay dividends in our overall happiness. Not to mention, I’ve already been donned with the title of “Grill Master”.
As the bucket-hat-wearing New Radicals once said, “You only get what you give”.
Investing is a scary word because it always involves giving something up. Your time. Your money. Your energy.
But with every risk, there is a potential for an even greater reward.
We need to be more proactive with our investments: Hire someone to help in launching your brilliant business idea. Donate your time and energy to helping a cause you care about. Buy a new TV so you can be happier on Sunday’s during Football season.
Invest in something. Invest in yourself. You only get what you give.