What’s the most valuable investment you can make? The most valuable investment is in yourself, not in stocks, real estate, or crypto. The knowledge and skills you acquire are the only things guaranteed to stay with you, regardless of market fluctuations. This investment in yourself is what will eventually allow you to invest successfully in other things.

How do you measure the return on investment (ROI) for investing in yourself? You should measure your ROI from two perspectives: tangible and intangible. A tangible return could be getting a professional certification that allows you to earn a higher salary. An intangible return is a lot harder to measure, but you can feel it. It could be building relationships at networking events that get you into rooms you wouldn't otherwise have access to, or it could be an increase in confidence and improved decision-making skills.

How do you get started with investing in yourself? A great way to start is by seeking out coaches and mentors who have already achieved what you want to achieve. You can find these people by looking on platforms like LinkedIn and reaching out to them directly. It’s important to take the shot because you miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

What is the "athlete mindset" when it comes to work? The "athlete mindset" means that the real work happens behind the scenes when no one is watching. Just like athletes who spend the week studying playbooks, watching videos, and preparing for their opponents, professionals should invest in themselves through consistent learning and self-improvement so they can execute at a high level when it counts.

How can you invest in yourself when you're busy and don't have much time? The biggest sacrifice is time, and I constantly feel like I needs more time to learn. Time is the most valuable investment because you can always make more money, but you can’t make more time. The knowledge you gain becomes part of who you are, making you more efficient and helping you to see things in a new way, which in turn saves you time.

How can you invest in others without a direct, tangible benefit? You can invest in others just by showing up every day. The habits and ethics you have from your own self-investment, like having integrity or just being dependable, are seen by your team and others around you. You are teaching them through your actions without even realizing it.

Watch the full episode at https://youtu.be/JkF6ZZmpdm4 and read more in THE ASCENT | 019.