Invest in You
What are you investing in?
I have a group of friends, mostly guys I have known for years and some who are just genuinely intrigued and invested in investing. At some point in our general conversations, someone will pose the question, ‘what are you investing in?’
The answers can range from cows to apartments to stocks, etc. (You know I threw you for a loop with Cows! Just for Mike, I’ll say Horses too!)
There is always an association with assets. Rarely though, do the conversations start with “Myself,” or “My Family,” “My Lifestyle.”
I believe no matter what it is, we are either buying or selling.
Believe in it, and you’re buying it. I tried it, and it’s not for you. You’re selling!
For many years of my life, I invested heavily in myself, selfishly. But, unfortunately, I was not investing in my lifestyle for the future.
I spent money and my time just at the moment. Experiences and products only affected the moment I was living in.
I recently had a conversation with Justin Donald, author of the Lifestyle Investor, noted as the “Warren Buffet of Lifestyle Investing.” As our conversation ebbed and flowed, I understood the earlier comment that no matter what you are doing, you are buying or selling.
The Impact Driven Leader podcast is about Leadership, first, foremost, and always. Yet, everything about us reflects our ability to lead.
How we invest our money, time, and mental capacity affects our lifestyle and all those around us.
When I was a young sales professional/consultant, I wasn’t encouraged to think about investing my time or money. Instead, I was led in very much of the fast lifestyle- live life fast and just figure out how to go faster.
I struggled because foundational it was misaligned to who I wanted to be as a person.
I have found that in all areas of investing, financially or relationally. To make the most of any investment, it has to fit an ultimate vision.
Invite someone to join your organization; as you spend time and invest in them, you both are best rewarded when their vision most closely matches that of your organization.
Justin and I chatted about three main factors which should be considered in all investments.
Stick with a decision
Observe everything like a case study
Garner words of wisdom
As I have mentioned, I have realized the above factors can fit into any investment, whether buying a stock, house, business, or relationship. The best investments grow and accrue over time. The best investment will always teach lessons.
