Investing in oneself is a trait shared by all highly successful people.

It’s all about personal growth, honing your skills, and maximizing your potential.

It’s about recognizing that the best asset you have is you.

Successful individuals know this, and they continually invest in their own development.

And guess what?

They have certain habits that guide them in this process.

So, here are nine ways that highly successful people invest in themselves.

Let’s dive right in.

1) Lifelong learning

Highly successful people never stop learning.

They understand that knowledge is power, and that the world is constantly evolving.

Continuous learning is not only about staying updated in your field of work.

It’s also about expanding your horizons and exploring new areas you’re interested in.

Ever wondered why successful people always seem to have a book recommendation handy?

Or why they attend seminars and workshops even when they are at the top of their game?

That’s because they are committed to lifelong learning.

They are curious, open-minded and always eager to learn something new.

It helps them grow as individuals, broadens their perspectives and fuels their passion.

2) Prioritizing health

A few years ago, I found myself constantly exhausted, struggling to keep up with my workload.

Rather than boosting my productivity, the late nights and skipped meals were taking a toll.

That’s when I decided to prioritize my health.

I started incorporating regular exercise into my routine, even if it was just a quick walk around the block.

I began to pay more attention to my diet, ensuring I was fueling my body with nutritious food.

The impact was incredible.

Not only did my energy levels improve significantly, but I also noticed a boost in my focus and productivity.

Highly successful people are aware of this connection between health and success.

They invest in their physical well-being through regular exercise, balanced diet, and adequate sleep.

They also prioritize their mental health, using techniques such as meditation or mindfulness to stay balanced.

3) Building networks

Success is rarely a solo endeavor. Highly successful people understand the value of strong networks and the power of relationships.

They don’t just network for the sake of it. They focus on building meaningful relationships that are mutually beneficial.

They are always ready to help others, and they’re not afraid to seek help when they need it.

Take a look at Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, two of the world’s wealthiest individuals.

Their friendship, which began at a casual dinner party, has spanned decades.

Today, they collaborate on numerous philanthropic efforts, leveraging their combined wealth and influence for societal good.

Building a strong network isn’t about collecting contacts. It’s about establishing connections, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other.

4) Embracing failure

While failure can be disappointing, successful people see it as a learning opportunity.

They analyse their mistakes, learn from them, and use this knowledge to improve their future performance.

Take Thomas Edison, for example. His attempts to invent the electric light bulb were met with thousands of failures.

But rather than giving up, he used each failure as a stepping stone towards success.

His persistence eventually paid off, leading to one of the most influential inventions of the 19th century.

5) Setting goals

Highly successful people are goal-oriented. They know where they want to go and what they need to do to get there.

They set clear, achievable goals for themselves. But they don’t stop there. They also devise a detailed plan of action to achieve these goals.

This approach provides them with a sense of direction and purpose. It also helps them stay focused and motivated, even when faced with obstacles.

Whether it’s launching a new product, scaling a business, or learning a new skill, successful people set targets for themselves and work tirelessly to achieve them.

So, start setting goals for yourself today. Remember, a goal without a plan is just a wish. 

6) Practicing gratitude

Gratitude plays a significant role in the lives of highly successful people.

It’s not just about saying ‘thank you’; it’s a way of seeing the world.

Practicing gratitude helps them to focus on the positive aspects of life.

It allows them to appreciate what they have, instead of constantly striving for more.

It fosters a sense of contentment and happiness, which can be a powerful motivator in their journey to success.

And it’s not just about being grateful for the big wins.

It’s about appreciating the small things too – a kind word from a colleague, a productive day at work, or even just a beautiful sunrise.

This heartfelt appreciation for life’s blessings can be incredibly uplifting and inspiring.

It reminds them of their achievements, their progress, and all the good that exists in their life.

7) Seeking mentorship

Navigating the road to success can be challenging. There will be twists and turns, ups and downs.

Having a mentor to guide you can make this journey significantly smoother.

A few years back, I was at a crossroads in my career.

I was unsure of which path to take, feeling overwhelmed by the options and the potential risks.

That’s when I reached out to a mentor, someone who had already walked the path I was considering.

The guidance and support I received were invaluable.

My mentor didn’t just provide advice; they shared their experiences, their insights, and their wisdom, helping me make an informed decision.

Highly successful people often have mentors who guide them, inspire them, and push them to reach greater heights.

These mentors provide a fresh perspective, offer constructive criticism, and encourage them to step out of their comfort zones.

8) Cultivating resilience

Resilience is not just about bouncing back from failures or setbacks.

It’s about adapting to change, persisting in the face of adversity, and maintaining a positive outlook despite the challenges.

Successful people build their resilience by maintaining a positive mindset, embracing change, and staying focused on their goals.

They see challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than as roadblocks.

9) Valuing time

Time is the most valuable asset we have. Highly successful people understand this.

They treat time with respect, knowing that once it’s gone, it cannot be replenished.

They prioritize their tasks, focusing on what’s most important.

They delegate when necessary, understanding that they cannot do everything themselves.

They make time for rest and rejuvenation, knowing that burnout can hinder progress.

Time management isn’t just about being productive.

It’s about making the most of the time we have, in work and in life.

Final thoughts: The ultimate investment

Investing in oneself isn’t a luxury or a pastime; it’s a necessity.

It’s about understanding that you are your most valuable asset.

Whether it’s expanding your knowledge, prioritizing your health, building meaningful relationships, or cultivating resilience, each step you take towards self-improvement has the potential to yield significant returns.

Remember the words of Benjamin Franklin, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

This wisdom rings true not only for knowledge but for all facets of self-improvement.