Self-investment in 2017: 3 methods to a better you

You’ve likely heard it said a million times and maybe you’ve even exclaimed it yourself: “New Year, new me.” While that sentiment might feel nice, the truth is that no magic wand will suddenly change you into the person you want to be.

In fact, you will need to invest your time and maybe even some of your money in order to truly achieve your goals. If you’re thinking about making changes beyond the regular weight loss or “spend less, save more” personal finance resolutions, here are a few ways you can invest in yourself this year:

Learn a new skill

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Whether you want to learn a new language, get up to speed on all the latest technologies, or just take a few courses on a subject that interest you, there are plenty of options for furthering your education, including online classes or community college courses. In some cases, this new knowledge could mean a raise in pay at your current job or perhaps your studies will provide you with a new career path to pursue — the possibilities are endless.

Start a side hustle (that could become something more)

Speaking of possibilities, today more people are making a living following their passions than probably any other time in American history. However, if you’re hesitant about jumping into entrepreneurship with both feet, you may want to consider getting things started in your spare time. While splitting your focus between two jobs may not be the best way to start a business, the security that your day job offers can also be helpful as you explore whether or not your idea is a viable one. Besides, if it does take off, you can always transition your side hustle into your full-time gig.

Pursue your top priorities

Even if you don’t plan on leaving your current job to run your own business, a change of course, could still be in your best interest. Maybe it’s just time for a change of scenery, perhaps you’d prefer a job that allows you more time with your family, or maybe your current commute is proving too stressful — in these situations, it’s important to reassess what your real priorities are and have the bravery to align them accordingly. Ultimately it’s better to be happy with your quality of life and at least be getting by financially, than it is to make more money and not be able to enjoy it.

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DISCLAIMER: This article expresses my own ideas and opinions. Any information I have shared are from sources that I believe to be reliable and accurate. I did not receive any financial compensation in writing this post, nor do I own any shares in any company I’ve mentioned. I encourage any reader to do their own diligent research first before making any investment decisions.