Investing in Your Relationship with Yourself: Why It’s the Best Investment You’ll Ever Make
When people talk about investing, it’s usually about stocks, savings, or real estate. But what about the relationship you have with yourself? That’s an investment too, and it just might be the one that pays off the most. Think about it—no matter where you go, who you’re with, or what you do, you’re always with you. So, doesn’t it make sense to spend some quality time and energy on that relationship?
Let’s dive into some real ways to start investing in your relationship with yourself and see why it’s worth every bit of effort.
1. Make Time for “You” Time
We often make time for everyone else—work meetings, family dinners, coffee with friends—but when’s the last time you scheduled a date with yourself? Setting aside time just for you is the first step to creating a stronger, more positive relationship with yourself. This doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming; even 10-15 minutes a day dedicated to something that fills your cup can make a huge difference.
Try activities like:
Reading a book you’ve wanted to start
Going for a solo walk or drive
Listening to a podcast or music that lifts your mood
Journaling to connect with your thoughts
This “you” time lets you check in with yourself, unwind, and remember what you enjoy—things that might be easy to forget when life gets busy.
2. Be Kind to Yourself, Even When It’s Hard
How do you talk to yourself? Are you encouraging and understanding, or are you your own toughest critic? The relationship with ourselves often suffers because we’re quick to judge ourselves for our mistakes and slow to give ourselves credit for our successes.
Start shifting this inner dialogue:
Notice self-criticism and replace it with self-compassion. Messed up at work? Remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes.
Celebrate small wins as if you’re cheering on a friend. Got through a tough day? Remind yourself of how resilient you are.
Forgive yourself when you fall short of your expectations. Perfection isn’t a requirement, and self-acceptance can bring a powerful sense of peace.
Self-kindness isn’t just about feeling good; it also builds a solid foundation of trust and respect with yourself.
3. Set Boundaries that Protect Your Peace
Building a strong relationship with yourself means respecting your own needs, and that includes setting boundaries. Boundaries are a form of self-respect—they’re the lines you draw to protect your peace, time, and energy.
Here’s how to make boundary-setting part of your self-investment:
Identify your limits: Know what drains you versus what energizes you.
Communicate clearly: Whether it’s saying “no” to an extra task at work or asking for alone time, expressing your needs is essential.
Respect your own boundaries: Sticking to your boundaries sends a message that you value yourself and your time.
Over time, setting boundaries teaches you that your needs are valid, which only strengthens your relationship with yourself.
4. Grow by Trying New Things
A great way to invest in yourself is by challenging yourself to try something new. Whether it’s a new hobby, an online course, or learning a skill you’ve always wanted, stepping out of your comfort zone reminds you that you’re capable of growth. Plus, you might discover new interests or talents along the way!
Think of it like this: every new experience adds depth to your relationship with yourself. You’re expanding who you are, and that can be empowering.
5. Prioritize Self-Care Like It’s a Meeting You Can’t Miss
Self-care is the ultimate way to show up for yourself, and it doesn’t have to mean spa days (though those are great too!). True self-care is about taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health consistently. Treat it as non-negotiable, just like an important meeting.
Ways to prioritize self-care include:
Setting a bedtime that lets you wake up feeling rested
Eating meals that nourish your body
Engaging in activities that help you unwind and de-stress
Talking to someone if you need support, like a friend, mentor, or therapist
Self-care is a promise you make to yourself that says, “I’m worth taking care of.”
6. Build Self-Trust by Following Through
One of the most powerful ways to strengthen your relationship with yourself is by building self-trust. We do this every time we set a goal or make a plan and then follow through. Following through—even in small ways—shows you that you can rely on yourself, which is a huge confidence booster.
Start with something small:
Set a simple goal like walking for 10 minutes each day or reading a chapter a night.
Track your progress to remind yourself of your consistency.
Celebrate your follow-through so that you see yourself as someone who keeps their word, even to themselves.
Self-trust builds over time, and every little promise you keep strengthens it.
Why It’s Worth It
When you invest in your relationship with yourself, you’re building a foundation of self-respect, self-love, and resilience that can carry you through life’s ups and downs. You’ll feel more grounded, confident, and able to show up for others in a healthy way because you’re already showing up for yourself.
The best part? Investing in yourself is something that will always be with you, growing and evolving as you do. So, go ahead, make that “you” time, show yourself some kindness, and start treating your relationship with yourself like the lifelong investment it is. You’re worth it!
