In a recent communication with a property agent, he asked me “where are you investing now?” and advised that I get ready to “shop like mad when the economy goes hay wire”.

I am not an investment specialist, and my immediate response was “I am going to invest in myself; spiritually, physically, intellectually, socially and in learning new skills – whatever the economy.”

These will be my properties, they will only appreciate in value and are not subjected to external forces or “corrections”.

Rewind: a few weeks I had a conversation with a colleague. He got engaged recently and was getting ready for Big M.  We chattered and the topic inevitably turned to the lack of time to prepare for the wedding. So much to do, so little time.

I think you can identify with my friend here. Some people spend a year ahead of time to prepare for every aspect of this very special day in their lives.

They are often so drained and stressed that the relationship pays a price for the glamorous event. I guess that’s why we have wedding planners to help take the stress out of the occasion.

Now press the “Pause button”. Do you hear of people talking about Marriage Planner? I hope I am not getting into trouble with young couples here but so often it seems that so much more time and focus is given to the event of wedding while little time and energy is left to build the relationship and the foundation for entering into marriage.

Let’s look around us. People are willing to spend thousands of dollars on slimming programs, surgeries, designer outfits, killer gadgets and toys but not many will spend on building themselves. What happened to personal goals and plans? Perhaps that’s for the January resolutions.

Now Press Play.  So where will you invest in these times? In something that is external, uncertain and is quite out of your control or in something that is well within your control and bring you inner satisfaction and strength?

We have heard of people who inherit or make lots of money can use or lose it all very quickly.  And they are back where they were. Because they have not learned how to manage themselves.

Conversely smart business men (like Donald Trump) can lose all and start all over again and still win – because he has the skills, the discipline, the know how. External economy or even robbery and schemes of vices for that matter can take away some external stuff but it cannot take away what’s inside of you.

Don’t get me wrong, I am all for fun but I think we need to take a step back and give much more attention to things that matters; though they may not be as flashy.

Your thoughts? I like to hear your point of view.

By the way, I will be getting another coach this Fall as I get involved in more coaching and training and expanding my online business. Why? I can only give as long as I have the resources and am improving myself continuously. To be able to give my best, I have to BE my best.