25 Best Ways: How to Invest in Yourself As a Woman (2024)
I started a business just after having my third child. I have no idea what I was thinking. Only that it was something I refused to put off any longer.
In only a few months, I discovered that my business growth and personal happiness were linked to one key element. Five years later, it is even more evident.
How much you invest in yourself as a woman.
Like many women, I learned to pinch pennies. (And spend money to look pretty.) These things only get you so far. And yet, each time I invest deeper in myself, my quality of life jumps with it.
In retrospect, women like Oprah, Beyonce, and Margaret Thatcher do this.
But I want to remind you that you are worth investing in too. And as soon as you start, you’ll feel the amazing difference it makes.
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What does it mean to invest in yourself?
Investing often involves spending money, but it’s very different than buying a sweater on sale.
How Do I Start Investing In Myself As a Woman?
It’s simple. Stop letting fear and scarcity hold you back. Instead, choose one or two of the ideas below. And do it!
Become The Best Learner In the Room
First, learners are the leaders of the world. Why? Because learning encourages a beginner mindset and allows you to try new ideas. Knowledge is power!
1. Read Daily
Borrow or buy books that help you in your career, finances, or any aspect of life that you’d love to improve. Books are the cheapest investments you can ever make in your future. Even fiction books broaden your horizons.
For $15 you can gain insight or an idea that changes your future.
Pro Tip: Read or listen to something educational for at least 20 minutes a day. Use your time during your work commute, running errands, or while waiting. (I take a book with me to appointments.)
2. Learn For Free
Podcasts, online articles, and YouTube videos have hours of free learning for anyone with internet access. They also ensure that you stay current on the latest developments in your field. Take advantage!
3. Take Courses
Online courses are convenient and can hold many golden nuggets. Learn everything from how to run a business, to public speaking tips, and more.
4. Attend Conferences, Workshops, Seminars
These are valuable resources for growth because they are often held by experts in the field. Keep an eye out for events in your area, or explore virtual webinars that you can attend in your pajamas.
Pro Tip: Make it a goal to do at least one of these each year!
5. Continually Upgrade Your Skills
Work to improve the most valuable skills in today’s workplace.
- Self-Confidence: Utilize workshops or seek coaching if you need help becoming more assertive.
- Leadership: Seek out courses, positions, and books on how to be a better leader.
- Improve Digital Skills: Learn the latest software and understand technology trends.
- Public Speaking and Communication: Attend conferences and practice in front of groups.
6. Get Further Education
Go back to school, add a degree, or add a formal certification.
Note: For some occupations, adding additional degrees may not be worth the added cost and time. Check this out for you!
7. Invest in a Mentor
Buy coffee for someone you admire and take the time to sit and chat. Pick their brain on how they became so good at what they do.
Invest in Your Health
Next, investing in yourself is also about protecting your health. You can’t live productively or enjoy life without it. And once it’s gone, you have to fight and claw to get it back.
“All the money in the world can’t buy you back good health.”
— Reba McEntire
8. Eat Healthy
Much of eating healthy is about using food as fuel instead of a reward.
Here are ways to help you invest in good eating habits:
- Buy a notebook to track what you eat. Studies show that the act of tracking helps people become more aware of their bad habits and portion sizes.
- Purchase smaller plates to eat off of. (You won’t even notice the difference)
- Take an online or in-person nutrition course. Learn how to fuel your body.
- Buy a healthy recipe cookbook and learn how to cook with healthier food alternatives.
- Invest in a large water bottle. Fill it in the mornings to stay hydrated and control hunger.
- Invest in a healthy meal delivery service (or hire someone to help make healthy meals)
- Hire a nutritionist.
- Invest your time into going to your regular check-ups. If anything medical does come up, you’ll catch it early.
9. Establish a Regular Exercise Routine
Building an exercise routine is one of the best ways to invest in yourself as a woman.
Regular exercise improves mood, energy levels, productivity, and sleep. It also drastically reduces your risk of almost all diseases. No medication on earth can say that!
First, choose a variety of exercise activities you enjoy. Then, start gradually. If 2 minutes is what it takes for you to start, then start there.
Next, consider these ideas to eliminate excuses and get moving:
- Invest in anything that makes working out EASIER to do. Put an extra pair of shoes in your basement. Pre-prep a gym bag. Or get a special leash for the dog.
- Consider a guided fitness program. Or gym membership.
(Peloton has been the best investment I’ve ever made for my health.)
- Take the time to plan your movement ahead of time. Add it to your weekly schedule so that nothing gets in the way.
- Invest in equipment that promotes movement. A treadmill, bike, weights, a yoga mat, etc.
- Invest in a personal trainer.
- Spend time downloading Podcasts, audiobooks, or music that you enjoy while moving your body.
Remember that it’s an ongoing process: a marathon, not a sprint. But getting in the best shape possible will also help you reach your personal goals in all areas of your life.
10. Sleep
If you’ve ever had a baby up all night long, you know how it feels to not get enough sleep. It’s unavoidable with little ones. But long-term, lack of sleep makes your mind foggy. Plus, your health deteriorates and you slog through your days in a horrific mood.
If sleep is an issue for you, set boundaries around your bedtime routine. Turn off devices an hour before bed and do something that helps you wind down instead.
- Invest in a white noise machine, sleep mask, or anything else that promotes a good, long night of sleep
- Adjust your schedule so that you can sleep longer. Maybe that means you go to bed when the kids do.
Prioritizing Mental Well-being
Next, much of the world is facing a mental health crisis. And women, especially, feel the sting. We should be doing it all. Which leads to us feeling that we’re never enough.
Luckily, these investments can re-write your mental story, center your core, and cultivate a more resilient version of you.
11. Invest in Quiet Time
Most people have devices and people in their faces all day long. They rarely have moments to think. Or be still.
Investing in consistent quiet time reduces stress and allows you to focus on your true values and priorities. Without this, you’re like a floating ship without a course.
Here are great ideas for incorporating quiet time into your day:
Meditate
- Invest in a meditation app or guided tutor: The Headspace app is the only reason I’ve been able to meditate for years. A soothing guide is incredibly helpful.
- Purchase a special pillow. It sounds small, but having a designated area helps you remember and get in the right mental space.
Take a Bath
- Buy bath supplies. Pour Epsom salts into a warm bath and soak. This gives you time to detangle your thoughts, and it’s an excellent de-stressor after a long day.
Go on Nature Walks
- Move near a nature trail. (Or find a good one near you). Go for daily quiet walks to ease your thoughts.
Journal
- Buy a guided or blank journal. Journals are useful for brain dumps (getting all of those worries and toxic feelings out of your head), for remembering your blessings, or for clarifying your goals.
Related: Start a money journal
Schedule Time Away
It’s easy to drown in the busyness and mundane aspects of life. So, give yourself regular intervals to quietly consider your values, where you want to be in 5 years, and how you hope to get there. This could look like:
- A hotel night away
- A 4 hour hike on your own
- A morning on your porch with a coffee and a pad of paper.
12. Invest in Therapy if You Need It
Therapy in person or online can provide a safe space to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Getting your anxieties and traumas out into the open can make a huge difference in how you feel.
Plus, a skilled therapist helps you develop new strategies for coping.
Invest in Yourself With Time
“Invest in as much of yourself as you can. You are your own biggest asset by far.”
– Warren Buffett (invest in yourself quotes)
13. Time is money: Investing In Yourself As a Woman
The highest level people understand the value of time.
It’s the one thing you can never get back.
So, remember that trying to do it all only holds you back.
Running a business with three kids has forced me to test this out in many ways. And you’d be surprised by how cheap investing in your time can be.
Note: Expect more from your family or swap with a neighbor if you aren’t ready to find professional help.
Here’s a good list of starter ideas. Think of free or paid ways that could give you back time in your day to enjoy your family, take care of your health, or generate income.
Related: Hard Money Truths You Need to Learn Now
14. Invest in Goal Setting
Setting goals shows you exactly what you need to do in order to move the needle. It’s a wonderful guide for decision-making.
So, instead of spending five hours answering emails, you’re writing that proposal that will generate income. Specific deadline goals also keep you motivated and help you reach farther.
- Write clear SMART goals with a deadline
- Break down the goals into specific action steps (use verbs). Or fill out the free commitment card to hold yourself accountable.
Schedule a time to regularly review and update your goals and goal plans.
15. Invest in Better Time Management
Time management is about making the most of your day. You want to make progress toward your most ambitious goals. But also live a soulful life.
I find time-blocking helpful! I now only look at email and schedule appointments after noon. This ensures quality work time on the most important goals in the morning.
These apps have also been life-savers in business:
- Trello: Great for visualizing your tasks and ideas, and working with multiple team members.
- Google Calendar: Excellent for scheduling meetings and sharing work with others.
- Freedom App: I use this to block myself from email and distraction websites. It’s been a game-changer for quality of life.
Invest in Yourself: Relationships
16. Regular Time with Friends and Family
Strengthening your relationships is an important way to invest in yourself. Stay in touch with your friends and family through phone calls, video chats, or in person.
- Schedule weekly or monthly dates
- Prioritize quality time during weekends or holidays
- Set boundaries around phone and technology time
17. Join Social or Community Groups
Groups provide opportunities to meet new people and learn new skills. Look for clubs, classes, facebook groups, or volunteer organizations that align with your interests and values.
18. Network (Invest In Yourself As a Woman)
Build a strong professional network, and you’ll have many more doors open to you throughout your career.
- Attend conferences, seminars, and holiday events to connect with like-minded individuals.
- Buy copies of your favorite book and give it to others when you find a similar interest.
- Ask someone you work with out to lunch every week (or sit at the cafeteria or outside)
- Before you leave the office, take a moment to ask someone an open-ended question.
Invest In Your Financial Future
Even if you know nothing now, you can learn anything you need through books, articles, and podcasts. So, start investing in your future self as a woman!
19. Pay Yourself First
Save a portion of your paycheck before you have a chance to spend it. An automatic transfer can help you make this easy.
Related:
20. Invest In A Side Hustle, Business, Or Passive Income
Not only does this provide financially for your family, but it forces you to learn new skills that cross into other career paths.
And a business doesn’t have to be full-time. You can start a side hustle with your off hours and use the part-time income to patch up any financial leaks you have.
Related:
21. Create a Financial Plan
Financial planning gives your money and your future a place to go. It helps you build stability when life throws you curveballs.
- Invest in an emergency fund of 3-6 months of expenses
- Create your financial plan for the future. Start with a money vision board. Or invest in a financial advisor to help you create a path forward.
- Invest time and money into paying off debts that are weighing you down.
22. Outside Investments
Get your money working for you.
Do your research, and choose investments according to your risk tolerance and financial goals. You can invest in:
- Stocks
- Bonds
- Mutual Funds or ETFs
- Real Estate or REITS
And even other creative investment ideas like Peer 2 Peer lending. Learn more about investing your first $500 or try Warren Buffett’s investing checklist.
Other Investments to Enrich Life
Finally, these are creative ways to invest in yourself as a woman that are often overlooked. But the benefits they give you in mental health and life perspective are priceless.
23. Find a Creative Hobby
If your hobby is “working” or “taking care of the kids” it’s time to explore your passions. Try something new once a week until you find what excites you.
Check out fantastic hobbies for women >>
24. Volunteer Time
Invest in yourself while making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose, expands your social circle, teaches you new skills, and helps you develop empathy. You’ll also be able to get out of your head and your own worries more easily.
25. Travel
Finally, travel and explore different cultures. Seeing how other people live their lives is a beautiful way to gain perspective. It opens our minds to the idea that nothing is right or wrong. And there are many different ways to be happy.
What’s Next?
Investing in yourself as a woman is a gift that keeps on giving. You’ll grow personally and professionally at a rate that will boggle your mind.
Pro Tip: I like to keep a running list of ideas to invest in the future. There will always be new ways to grow.
Good luck on your adventure! How will you invest as a woman this week?
