The Greatest Investment You Can Make
“The best investment by far is anything that develops yourself, and it's not taxed at all… Whatever abilities you have can't be taken away from you. They can't actually be inflated away from you”
~ Warren Buffet
When it comes to investing, most people instinctively think of stocks, bonds, or real estate. They focus on safeguarding their hard-earned money, driven by a fear of loss and a desire for security. But what if the most valuable investment isn’t in the market but in yourself?
Imagine this: You know someone who diligently puts $50 a month into stocks, believing it’s the safest way to grow their wealth. Now, consider what could happen if that same $50 were directed towards something more personal. What if you used it to buy tools, knowledge, or connections that could dramatically increase your earning potential? Maybe that $50 could cover the cost of hosting your website or hire someone on Fiverr to generate leads for your business. It could buy a canvas for your next masterpiece or a plugin that speeds up your editing process, allowing you to take on more clients.
Which sounds better? Making $10,000 a month and investing $2,000 in the stock market, or making $4,000 and only contributing $50?
The truth is, many people are afraid to believe in themselves, afraid to take the leap and bet on their own potential. But what if you did? What if you gave yourself the resources you need to excel at what you love?
Let me share a story that illustrates just how transformative investing in yourself can be.
My First Major Investment
In 2018, I was in my first semester of college. I had started capturing daily vlogs of college life in San Diego, driven by a newfound passion for video production sparked by a cheesy, yet epic, rap prom proposal video I had made the year before. The process of creating videos hooked me, and I began filming short skits to pass the time during my freshman year. Without a car and with friends who were equally grounded on campus, the university became our playground. I’d bring my camera everywhere, capturing fun moments and honing my skills with every video I made.
By the time I’d created about 50 videos, I had become proficient in filming and editing. So, I started pitching my video services to businesses. But there was a problem: despite my technical skills, my gear was holding me back. My Canon 50D, valued at $150, wasn’t cutting it in the professional world. Potential clients didn’t take me seriously because my equipment screamed hobbyist rather than professional.
That summer, between my freshman and sophomore years, I made a calculated risk. With $4,000 to my name, I decided to invest in myself. I bought a Sony A7III and a 24mm prime lens—top-of-the-line gear at the time. My mom was furious. She thought video was just a hobby and couldn’t see the potential. She urged me to return the camera, but I was resolute. I had a vision, a plan, and I wasn’t going to let anyone stand in my way.
For the next four years, that camera became an extension of me. I shot with it religiously, taking on jobs as a videographer, then a director, and eventually creating passion projects, music videos, and short branded commercials. I became known as “the video guy,” the go-to person for any video needs. That initial $4,000 investment paid for itself within a year, and over the next six years, it returned its value tenfold.
But beyond the money, that investment gave me something invaluable: identity, purpose, and a sense of value in the world. It allowed me to explore my creativity and bring my ideas to life. It was the gateway to my career as a professional creative.
Had I not made that decision, I wouldn’t be here writing this blog. I wouldn’t be a full-time artist. I might have ended up in some finance job, managing someone else’s money. That one risky investment in myself opened more doors than I could have imagined.
Changing Your Relationship With Money
Over the years, I’ve made countless other investments in myself that have paid off—whether it’s buying new equipment, enrolling in online courses, or purchasing plugins and digital assets to streamline my workflow. Each of these investments has contributed to my growth as an artist.
I’m always amazed when people are willing to spend $200 a month at Starbucks but hesitate to spend $100 on a tool that could help them earn more money. It all comes down to one simple truth: the greatest multiplier for your income is you. It’s the skills, experiences, and time you invest in yourself that enable you to reach the next level. These investments build your confidence and sharpen your skills, ultimately leading to greater success.
And while I’ve focused mainly on the financial aspect, this principle applies to every area of life—your health, education, relationships, and business. Investing in yourself is a standard practice in the business world. You hear about conferences, cohorts, and people paying for mentorship. But this isn’t talked about enough in the creative field. So, artists, listen up.
Until you’re making enough money to comfortably invest a substantial portion of your income elsewhere, you need to invest directly back into what’s generating that income. Invest in the tangible and intangible assets that will propel you to the next level.
Because in the end, the greatest investment you can make is in yourself.
Thanks for Reading. Talk Soon.
-P