2021 is finally here! While I’m excited to see where this year takes us, I’m more excited to really start investing in myself and my future! As each year passes and I get older in age, I like to think about what I can do for myself this year that’ll transform my life. What I’ve realized is that it is so easy to get caught up in the day to day activities that you forget to take time out for yourself, whether that be a little self-care, going to therapy, or learning a new hobby that you’ve been putting on the back burner. In this post, I’m going to share 10 ways to invest in yourself this year!
Test out a new hobby
Take time this year to learn a new hobby that you’ve always been interested in! With the hustle mentality that millennials are currently accustomed to, it’s so easy to want to learn a hobby just to monetize it later. While that is completely fine, it’s also just as important to have a hobby just for yourself to enjoy. Maybe you enjoy playing the piano? Or maybe you like writing short stories or doing adult coloring books? Back in middle school and college, I used to dance all the time to relieve stress. It was just a passion, but now I think I want to dabble in calligraphy. I’m posting this here so you can keep me accountable!
Create an emergency fund
Honestly the definition of investing in yourself should be creating your own emergency fund. You’re literally putting money aside for yourself later on down the road if and when the need arises. Keep an eye out on a future blog post where I’m going to be sharing an entire post about the topic of emergency fund, including why you need one and how to create your own. I know that an emergency fund can seem overwhelming because you may think that you don’t have enough to get started, but I promise you’ll do! The easiest way to get over fear is to just do it!
Cross something off your bucket list
If 2020 has taught us anything, its life is too short and to live life to the fullest because you don’t know when your time is near. Before the year is over plan to cross something off your bucket list. Don’t have a bucket list yet? Take a few minutes and write down some things that you would love to do one day. Maybe it’s you want to stroll on the Great Wall of China or to swim with the dolphins? Whatever it is, write it down and make a plan to check one of your items off your list.
Learn how to increase your credit score and how to manage it
Credit is such an important financial marker, and even though it may be a tad superficial, it’s can be pretty handy if you’re planning on buying a car, a house, a plane, or any other big purchase in the future. This year take your credit score by the horns and take control! Not a sponsored post but Lexington Law does a great job at repairing credit if that’s what you currently need. Otherwise take a look at these posts where I share tips on how to grow and manage your credit score.
Save for your financial goals
One of the best ways to invest in yourself is by saving for your financial goals. Regardless if you’re trying to save money for a down payment for your first home or save enough money to pay off your car, you can do whatever you put your mind to it. Make a plan that you can stick with to hit your financial goals this year. If you need some tips on how to save money while not having a ton of income, check out this post where I share how I saved my first $1,000 as a broke college student.
Make your health a priority
Being a healthcare professional, you’ll hear me say this over and over again, but you have to make your health a priority, especially in your 20s. This time period in your life can truly make a difference down the road. And I know that life can get busy and that it’s easy to not prioritize your health, but this year make a conscious decision to make it one.
Exercising regularly and going to therapy can truly make a difference in how you feel and how you interact with others. Don’t feel comfortable heading back to the gym? Set up your own at home gym with some of your favorite exercise tools. Or take an online exercise class from your favorite Instagram fitness instructor! Don’t forget that the best workout is the one that you actually do consistently and that small changes lead to big ones.
Invest in your business or career
Repeat after me: I will put trust in my business/career and invest in yourself and improve my skillset. For you that might be getting your Master’s degree or applying for that senior position that you would be amazing for. For my future pharmacy students, I may be a little biased, but I 100% recommend my own course, From Student to PharmD – especially if you’re worried about what you need to do to get accepted into your dream program. I’ve helped quite a few students make their dreams come true with my program!
Let go of the baggage holding you down
In the new year, we are letting go of everything that is not meant for us, including the baggage that you’ve been holding on to. Healing from a past situation means that you have to look at it head on and deal with it. I highly recommend going to a therapist regularly because they can really help you unload and rediscover that baggage that you’ve been carrying around. You can’t move forward if you have something constantly dragging you down.
Outsource one thing that doesn’t make you happy
Remember that whole spill that life is too short? Yea, it’s too short to be bother with doing the necessary things, like cleaning your apartment or cooking your own meals, if you don’t find joy in them or have time. One thing that I’ve started to outsource recently is cleaning! When I work a 12 hour shift at work, the last thing that I want to do when I get home is clean. Both Titi and I work long hours, so it just made sense to outsource this necessary chore. It has already been a gamechanger for the both of us, and we will gladly continue this habit in the new year. You probably already have an idea of what you’re going to outsource next year!
Go on a solo vacation and enjoy your own company
Another great way to invest in yourself this year is to take a COVID safe solo vacation and enjoy your own company. You can easily get away from your busy life to relax, recharge, and reset for the new year. My person favorite – book an Airbnb in a location near you for the weekend, pack all of your favorite things (including the pup) and create a memory for yourself. Highly recommend booking a spa, massage, or some other beauty treatment for your alone time to add a little spice to your self-care routine.
How will you invest in yourself this year? Leave a comment down below!
