We all dream of a life where we’re thriving, not just surviving. A career that excites us, personal relationships that nourish us, and a constant sense of forward momentum. But how do we get there? It isn’t always about working harder or chasing the next big opportunity. Sometimes, the most powerful step you can take is to look inward and invest in yourself.
Think about it. We plan our financial investments carefully, knowing that dollars put in today can yield significant returns tomorrow. But what about the most valuable asset you own: you? Like a well-tended garden, your skills, knowledge, and relationships need regular care. Neglect them, and you risk being overtaken by a rapidly changing world.
My co-host, Brooks Duncan, and I have seen this time and again. We witness professionals who seem to glide from opportunity to opportunity because they have made the commitment to invest in themselves. Whether it’s developing new skills or nurturing personal connections, the simple act of investing in yourself is often the secret sauce to success.
Sharpen Your Saw: The Power of Skill Development
When we talk about personal growth, skill development is key. The more you build your skills, the more valuable you become in every aspect of life. At Asian Efficiency, we live by our core value called “Glow Green,” which encourages us to share what we’re reading, listening to, and learning every week.
Brooks once shared how attending a digital marketing conference sparked a breakthrough for him. He described it as having “fireworks going off in his mind.” That one experience accelerated his progress and opened up new opportunities. Whether you choose to go wide—acquiring a broad range of skills—or go deep—mastering one area until you’re in the top tier—intentional learning is a game changer.
Remember this: combining two top-tier skills can make you a unicorn in your field. For instance, many are skilled in bodybuilding, but those who add video editing and on-camera presence become truly unique. In my journey, my deep knowledge of productivity combined with writing helped kickstart Asian Efficiency. It’s about creating leverage that sets you apart.
Cultivate Your Connections: Building a Strong Network
Beyond developing skills, the relationships you build are an equally important investment. I once read a book called “30 Lessons for Living” that reminded me that our happiness largely comes from our connections with others. I realized I had many shallow relationships—knowing someone’s name but not really understanding their story.
That realization drove me to host dinner parties and events. Not only did this make me happier, but it also opened up opportunities I never expected. I’ve been approached for job offers, invited into exclusive deals, and even met influential figures like Michael Dell and Gary Vaynerchuk. Networking is not just about career advancement; it’s about enriching your life with mutually beneficial relationships built on trust.
Here are a few ways to start building your network:
- Consistently share value on platforms like LinkedIn.
- Organize simple events such as monthly brunches or dinners.
- Attend meetups, conferences, or industry groups where like-minded people gather.
- Be relentlessly helpful. The more you give, the more you receive.
Accelerate Your Growth: The Power of Coaching
The third way to invest in yourself is by getting coaching. Most of us know what we should do deep down, but we often struggle with follow-through. A good coach fills that gap by providing tailor-made advice, holding you accountable, and helping you identify your blind spots.
Take my own experience with fitness. I don’t particularly love working out, but having a personal trainer makes all the difference. Similarly, I once worked with a copywriting coach who helped me refine my writing faster than self-study ever could. Top performers like LeBron James rely on coaches for this very reason—they help you update the “software” in your head and accelerate your progress.
At Asian Efficiency, we’re excited to offer one-on-one support through our 25X Productivity Coaching program. Whether you’ve taken our online course or attended a workshop, personalized coaching can help you master your time, energy, and attention, and ultimately, achieve the results you’re after.
