“In investing, what is comfortable is rarely profitable.” – Robert Arnott

Does ‘investment’ conjure up images of shiny new toys, luxury and everything ‘money’? You are not alone. The word ‘investment’ does that to most people.

This post is about the rules of life investment—the rules that matter. The ones we often forget or ignore, preferring to stick to our routines and the comforting sounds of our daily lives. Sounds that, if we dare pause, could help us better understand the discord in our lives.

ROI or return on investment ‘measures gain or loss on any investment relative to the amount of money invested’ (Merriam-webster.com). These investment rules will bring positive ROI in your life.

Rule #1: Invest in yourself. The top investment you can make is not in your career, house, car, anything material or other human beings. The biggest investment you can make is in yourself. Empower yourself to be the best you can be. The ROI is unimaginably satisfying to you and others when you prioritize your internal development.

Rule #2: Invest in your mind. Do you look into your mental attic every day and clean the cobwebs that you accumulate? Do you peer into the dark corners and study your fears? You will accumulate far less mental clutter if you feel every experience to the full as it is happening, even those you perceive as bad. Doing this will help you shrug, let go, and move forward, freeing up space for more sunshine to filter into your life.

Rule #3: Invest in your time. Are you using your time to help someone else succeed? Does that satisfy you? Would you like to use your time in activities that will help you create a more fulfilling life? More doors open up when you start asking these questions and help you decide how to use your most precious resource—time.

Rule #4: Invest in your body. Ever considered what a mind-blowing piece of machinery your body is? The only one in the world, with no spare parts. How do you treat it? Do you eat the right fuel to help it perform at its best? Your body’s health is based on what you choose to eat and how you choose to treat it.

Rule #5: Invest in your thinking. Do you spend your time comparing yourself to others or what they own? Do you keep wondering what others think or talk about you? Other humans are busy playing starring roles in their own lives and absorbed in their own thoughts. You are not that important. Instead, focus on steering your thoughts in a way that will improve the quality of your life.

Rule #6: Invest in stepping out. Do you interact largely with people who look, talk, learn, earn, and socialize like you do? Do you know anyone who works in an unfamiliar area or has a different religious, political or cultural background? This is a terrific time step out of your comfort zone, reach out, and participate in different online groups. The whole world has a common topic to discuss! The ROI, I assure you, is fabulous and rewarding.