Investing in Yourself

[KrismanX]

Looking for ideas on ways to invest in my own personal development. Many of us drop big bucks on watches, cars, pens, whiskey and wine...Pick your poison.

I'm interested in something that will help me grow as an entrepreneur and human being. I am spiritual, not religious. I am currently in sales; but I am looking for ways to improve my life and secure financial freedom for generations to come and for as many people around me as possible.

Anyone ever gone to things like SXSW? The 10X Growth Con? Tony Robbins(or anyone) seminars? Meditation retreats in India? What self-investments have had a big impact on you? Price is of no concern...If the trip is worth it.

I'd love to hear about what you all have experienced.

[dafuture]

What about some sort of advanced degree? An MBA might be a good fit for you depending on what kind of skills you really want to develop.

[Carrera911]

I like to learn with my hands on. Try to think what interests you most and invest in doing that.
If you're interested in the stock market - trade.
If you're interested in Real Estate - buy investment properties
If you're interested in wasting your time and money study for a MBA.
etc...

I would also consider traveling alone as a form of self improvement.

[FTX I]

Travel the world.

[Star Ferry]

Changing is hard work. Tony Robbins can give you some ideas during a weekend, but the hard part is consistently applying those ideas.

In terms of bang for buck, I think non-fiction books written by experts are a great investment. Amazon prime makes it so easy. Books on mindfulness and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) techniques were especially helpful for me

[BristolCavendish]

Being in Marin County, there are many well-to-do individuals who are seeking a higher level of consciousness and inner peace. After raking in (or inheriting millions of dollars), what else is there left to do when all that remains is boredom?

Some turn to Tantric sex in hopes that they will eventually reach a 'higher plane' of existence. Doesn't work for most (although the journey can be exhilarating or totally weird for those involved). Others have gone 'New Age' buying rare 'healing' crystals imported from Tijuana and paying exorbitant fees for channeling sessions where some medium taps into voices from the past in hopes of providing enlightened cerebral insights. This is often referred to as the Shirley MacLaine Method.

Based on your initial input, perhaps creating a small business that reflects a hobby or interest of yours?

As far as high-priced seminars go, the only ones coming out ahead are the various speakers onstage expounding their overpriced BS.

[KrismanX]

Originally Posted by BristolCavendish

Being in Marin County, there are many well-to-do individuals who are seeking a higher level of consciousness and inner peace. After raking in (or inheriting millions of dollars), what else is there left to do when all that remains is boredom?

Some turn to Tantric sex in hopes that they will eventually reach a 'higher plane' of existence. Doesn't work for most (although the journey can be exhilarating or totally weird for those involved). Others have gone 'New Age' buying rare 'healing' crystals imported from Tijuana and paying exorbitant fees for channeling sessions where some medium taps into voices from the past in hopes of providing enlightened cerebral insights. This is often referred to as the Shirley MacLaine Method.

Based on your initial input, perhaps creating a small business that reflects a hobby or interest of yours?

As far as high-priced seminars go, the only ones coming out ahead are the various speakers onstage expounding their overpriced BS.

This I appreciate. I know the only info I have to go off of are the highly tuned "authentic" reviews of the people with profit already in pocket to shed any light on the actual goings-on of these events. As it is a conference based on building and scaling a new business, I was drawn to the 10X Growth Con for those exact reasons. I've got interests and pipe dreams that could scale out if done correctly; and I'm searching for good minds to learn from through their experience.

[KrismanX]

Originally Posted by Star Ferry

Changing is hard work. Tony Robbins can give you some ideas during a weekend, but the hard part is consistently applying those ideas.

In terms of bang for buck, I think non-fiction books written by experts are a great investment. Amazon prime makes it so easy. Books on mindfulness and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) techniques were especially helpful for me

Originally Posted by FTX I

Travel the world.

Originally Posted by Carrera911

I like to learn with my hands on. Try to think what interests you most and invest in doing that.
If you're interested in the stock market - trade.
If you're interested in Real Estate - buy investment properties
If you're interested in wasting your time and money study for a MBA.
etc...

I would also consider traveling alone as a form of self improvement.

Originally Posted by dafuture

What about some sort of advanced degree? An MBA might be a good fit for you depending on what kind of skills you really want to develop.

Thanks guys! To be completely transparent, I am looking into the 10X Growth Con next month. My main objective and reason for going would be to meet and mix with the speakers and Grant Cardone, so I would be dropping in at the highest price point. I know there will be value in the speeches, as I have read or listened to content from most of the roster, and the conference is centered around business, marketing and personal development. The networking opportunities are pretty much my main draw to this event, coupled with the entire experience as a lifestyle/mindset kick in the pants to get me making some serious moves in the right direction. I would love any recommendations for ways to do that.

I love the idea of travel; but I would like some focused travel not all leisure. I will be investing in Real Estate when the CA market is a little more forgiving; but I want something to help focus my intentions and efforts toward exponential improvement until my real estate opportunity presents itself. Definitely not going to school again ever. I just paid that off.

I'm definitely into the PD books as well and would appreciate any recommendations there too

[breitlings]

we all have different paths we must walk, but perhaps the paths are designed for us to walk. knowing where want to end up and reading the tea leaves are important.

[pallindrome]

I would recommend cousera.


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[AzPaul]

If you want to improve yourself, the best idea is a very old one.

Serve those who need help.

[James K]

Be cautious with those seminars. Anything you have to drop that much money on is how they "become wealthy" in the first place. There's tons of them and they all operate the same, buy my book, pay XXX for attending my 1000 person seminar etc.

If you truly want some self development look into the Shriners or Masons and follow what AzPaul said too.

[deelonewolf]

in my opinion from being an entrepreneur is figuring out what you're good at, being able to innovate, being able to see an edge to competition, being able to resist urge on splurging, always reinvest to grow the company, always ask for people's help as everyone does but dont rely on just their words, and always dont be scared of change. it takes time before i had my businesses i didnt have college, good but small credit, really little work experience, certain mental issues and a goal of opening a business but really had no idea what to do. eventually my business now fell in my lap i tried it small it worked, i did great, i started failing, i changed and now we're doing extremely well with numbers growing quarterly. always work on your strengths don't go to seminars hoping they will strike an idea on what to do. im sure its motivating and they give you incite on certain things but at the end is how hard you work and playing on your strengths. like will smith said "you just have to be good with numbers and good with people" lol. good luck.

[Widows Son]

Originally Posted by James K

Be cautious with those seminars. Anything you have to drop that much money on is how they "become wealthy" in the first place. There's tons of them and they all operate the same, buy my book, pay XXX for attending my 1000 person seminar etc.

If you truly want some self development look into the Shriners or Masons and follow what AzPaul said too.

Good advice. Just so you understand that all Shriners are Masons, but not all Masons are Shriners. You have to be a Master Mason first, then go on to the appendent bodies if you wish.

[GradyPhilpott]

Don't discount higher education, just because many people manage to afford a Rolex without one, as if that is the only reason to continue education beyond high school.

Education consists of process and content. Combined, those factors push the student to grow not only in knowledge, but also in life experience.

Yes, it can be quite expensive, but there are many ways to seek alternative venues that will lead to a degree.

I would also like to point out that, for me, at least, the degrees are the least important aspects of my education, especially now that I'm retired.

Even the content is not as important as the process of acquiring the education. The content changes and must be updated constantly.

The process teaches one how to be a life-long student and to appreciate many aspects of life that may not have been available except through the educational process and academia.

[ejvette]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Don't discount higher education, just because many people manage to afford a Rolex without one, as if that is the only reason to continue education beyond high school.

Education consists of process and content. Combined, those factors push the student to grow not only in knowledge, but also in life experience.

Yes, it can be quite expensive, but there are many ways to seek alternative venues that will lead to a degree.

I would also like to point out that, for me, at least, the degrees are the least important aspects of my education, especially now that I'm retired.

Even the content is not as important as the process of acquiring the education. The content changes and must be updated constantly.

The process teaches one how to be a life-long student and to appreciate many aspects of life that may not have been available except through the educational process and academia.

Absolutely ^^^^^^

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by ejvette

Absolutely ^^^^^^

Originally Posted by brandrea

Very well said Grady

Originally Posted by FTX I

Exactly. I'm in full agreement with what you said Grady.

Thank you, gentlemen.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Don't discount higher education, just because many people manage to afford a Rolex without one, as if that is the only reason to continue education beyond high school.

Education consists of process and content. Combined, those factors push the student to grow not only in knowledge, but also in life experience.

Yes, it can be quite expensive, but there are many ways to seek alternative venues that will lead to a degree.

I would also like to point out that, for me, at least, the degrees are the least important aspects of my education, especially now that I'm retired.

Even the content is not as important as the process of acquiring the education. The content changes and must be updated constantly.

The process teaches one how to be a life-long student and to appreciate many aspects of life that may not have been available except through the educational process and academia.

Very well said Grady

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Don't discount higher education, just because many people manage to afford a Rolex without one, as if that is the only reason to continue education beyond high school.

Education consists of process and content. Combined, those factors push the student to grow not only in knowledge, but also in life experience.

Yes, it can be quite expensive, but there are many ways to seek alternative venues that will lead to a degree.

I would also like to point out that, for me, at least, the degrees are the least important aspects of my education, especially now that I'm retired.

Even the content is not as important as the process of acquiring the education. The content changes and must be updated constantly.

The process teaches one how to be a life-long student and to appreciate many aspects of life that may not have been available except through the educational process and academia.

Exactly. I'm in full agreement with what you said Grady.

[droptopman]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Don't discount higher education, just because many people manage to afford a Rolex without one, as if that is the only reason to continue education beyond high school.

Education consists of process and content. Combined, those factors push the student to grow not only in knowledge, but also in life experience.

Yes, it can be quite expensive, but there are many ways to seek alternative venues that will lead to a degree.

I would also like to point out that, for me, at least, the degrees are the least important aspects of my education, especially now that I'm retired.

Even the content is not as important as the process of acquiring the education. The content changes and must be updated constantly.

The process teaches one how to be a life-long student and to appreciate many aspects of life that may not have been available except through the educational process and academia.

Agree very much. Nicely stated Grady

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by droptopman

Agree very much. Nicely stated Grady

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[breitlings]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

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FWIW MBA is considered a professional degree.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by breitlings

FWIW MBA is considered a professional degree.

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[KrismanX]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Don't discount higher education, just because many people manage to afford a Rolex without one, as if that is the only reason to continue education beyond high school.

Education consists of process and content. Combined, those factors push the student to grow not only in knowledge, but also in life experience.

Yes, it can be quite expensive, but there are many ways to seek alternative venues that will lead to a degree.

I would also like to point out that, for me, at least, the degrees are the least important aspects of my education, especially now that I'm retired.

Even the content is not as important as the process of acquiring the education. The content changes and must be updated constantly.

The process teaches one how to be a life-long student and to appreciate many aspects of life that may not have been available except through the educational process and academia.

I agree with you Grady 100% I am always thirsty for learning and reinvesting my time and energy into new skills is going to be my best investment for now. I don’t really need the full time grind of another degree; but I totally side with investing in the habit of being a lifelong student. After graduation I found myself craving new information and mental challenges. I have a huge list of things to read and learn, and I am a user to both Coursera and Lynda(great online learning resources) and I follow many informational and inspirational podcasts like The School of Greatness, How I Built This, Bigger Pockets, Real Estate Investing Made Simple. At this point I’m at a life-path crossroad. I’ve got a 5 year financial career built at a desk in a well known institution; but my heart and soul are in music, art and everywhere BUT the financial industry.

I’ve recently come into a position where I can comfortably leave and start a different career path altogether; but I know what the “play it safe” in me says about having a job with a 401k and a health/dental/vision plan and all that jazz. I’m 31, no kids, live with my gf of 2 years, and no major financial obligations to pay for.

Do I jump at my dream? Do I settle? Maybe I’m not confident I could succeed without the corporate title? Maybe I’m listening to all the wrong things. Maybe I’m asking the wrong questions. Maybe I need to ask myself what I want out of my life.

Thanks to everyone for all of your advice! I’m going to take a few days to just unwind from 2017, get reacquainted with myself. Maybe I’ll come back to a congratulatory 2018 giveaway post?

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by KrismanX

Thanks to everyone for all of your advice! I’m going to take a few days to just unwind from 2017, get reacquainted with myself. Maybe I’ll come back to a congratulatory 2018 giveaway post?

When you get back, perhaps you'll find this article enlightening.

https://jamesclear.com/goals-systems

[GaLexusGuy]

Originally Posted by KrismanX

I agree with you Grady 100% I am always thirsty for learning and reinvesting my time and energy into new skills is going to be my best investment for now. I don’t really need the full time grind of another degree; but I totally side with investing in the habit of being a lifelong student. After graduation I found myself craving new information and mental challenges. I have a huge list of things to read and learn, and I am a user to both Coursera and Lynda(great online learning resources) and I follow many informational and inspirational podcasts like The School of Greatness, How I Built This, Bigger Pockets, Real Estate Investing Made Simple. At this point I’m at a life-path crossroad. I’ve got a 5 year financial career built at a desk in a well known institution; but my heart and soul are in music, art and everywhere BUT the financial industry.

I’ve recently come into a position where I can comfortably leave and start a different career path altogether; but I know what the “play it safe” in me says about having a job with a 401k and a health/dental/vision plan and all that jazz. I’m 31, no kids, live with my gf of 2 years, and no major financial obligations to pay for.

Do I jump at my dream? Do I settle? Maybe I’m not confident I could succeed without the corporate title? Maybe I’m listening to all the wrong things. Maybe I’m asking the wrong questions. Maybe I need to ask myself what I want out of my life.

Thanks to everyone for all of your advice! I’m going to take a few days to just unwind from 2017, get reacquainted with myself. Maybe I’ll come back to a congratulatory 2018 giveaway post?

You'll never regret following your dream if you truly chase it! Conference's are great for networking and picking up a couple tips, but as many said nothing that's going to change your world.

If your passion is music, then find something in that sector you can create. Your better off investing in a life coach/mentor to help support your ambitions instead of conference's IMO.

I believe Warren Buffet said it best.."People ask if being an entrepreneur is risky, try working for someone for 40years and then rely on 401K & SSN"

[yannis]

An often forgotten or not properly managed part of our lives is that of organizing our daily tasks and properly plan ahead and completing tasks. A lot of stress can be avoided with proper time management. GTD methodology (Getting Things Done by David Allen) had had a great impact on me and i believe success goes hand in hand with efficient time management.

Education and catching up with changes and new trends in business is also quintessential.

[SDRider]

Originally Posted by KrismanX

Looking for ideas on ways to invest in my own personal development. Many of us drop big bucks on watches, cars, pens, whiskey and wine...Pick your poison.

I'm interested in something that will help me grow as an entrepreneur and human being. I am spiritual, not religious. I am currently in sales; but I am looking for ways to improve my life and secure financial freedom for generations to come and for as many people around me as possible.

Anyone ever gone to things like SXSW? The 10X Growth Con? Tony Robbins(or anyone) seminars? Meditation retreats in India? What self-investments have had a big impact on you? Price is of no concern...If the trip is worth it.

I'd love to hear about what you all have experienced.

Those are good at making money for the guy giving the seminar. I can’t imagine a seminar making much of a difference in anyone’s life.

[fusionstorm]

I've been in sales for..........awhile.

I've heard various motivational/professional development/corporate coaching speakers at annual sales meetings thru the years. None of them have said much of anything that I didn't already innately know.

Bottom line - - - a combination of having vision, hustling, being "likably respected" and a good dash of luck will determine how successful you become. Some people know how to make money, and a fair amount of people don't. These seminars prey on people who feel like they don't have the personal components to be successful. Sometimes, the end result is people do walk away with the confidence to utilize the tools they already had at their disposal. But a lot of times, it's money poorly spent by people who lack some (or all) of those capabilities.

If you're meant to be a financial "rock star", it's not going to be b/c you heard a motivational speaker.

[crazymcmichael]

For me this is also a very difficult subject, i am a bit stuck in the life where i am actually in. I know i have to change things to get a normal human being but reality is a bit difficult. I do not like human beings, especially not in my home country, but basicly all humans are the same after all.. This may sound very strange but it is the absolute truth..... A nice idea for me would be to have a lodgehouse in the woods far away from humans and all the freedom that you get by living like that. The reality is that i am a bit stuck atm in a country full of assholes :) I have enough money to live my life, but not enough to make a crucial move from this all:) but i don't really feel any happiness, but i don't feel depression either... You can call it a grey emptyness but it doesn't hurt a lot.. Excuse me my bad English, perhaps i am trying to say anything nobody would understand LOL

In fact humanity forgot who they are in the first place for some years i think... Everything and everyone must be better and better nowadays,, but some of us just aren't the other :) I think it is important to be Always realistic and introduce more jobs for the simple minded again, and also stop educations apart from people that are having enough intelligence to do something important or significant in the first place. Now we get a lot of so called professionals that are in fact to dumb to truly understand what they are doing... This may sound strange but i think this is potentially dangerous to us all::