When it comes to investments, people generally think of financial-related stuff — we’re talking real estate, crypto, the stock market, gold, savings accounts, things of that nature.
But this isn’t where investing starts.
Investing actually starts with yourself, and this is where a library card and a gym membership comes in.
You see, a library card gives you access to books, so it allows you to expand your mind.
A gym membership allows you to work on your physical fitness, which, of course, is not just good for your body but is also good for your mind as well.
And obviously, for these two things to compound positively in the right direction, you actually have to use them.
So let’s talk about the benefits of owning a library card and a gym membership, because I’d actually argue that these are probably the two most valuable cards, you can have sitting in your wallet.
Benefit #1: Reading Is Food for the Brain
Many, many people who are, quote unquote, “non-readers” seem to think that reading (especially) when it comes to non-fiction books — is just about filling your head with knowledge.
And yes, you can certainly gain knowledge by reading books, but there’s more to it than that.
The analogy that I like to use is that for a plant to grow, it needs to be watered well.
Well Reading just like water to a plant, nourishes your brain.
You see, when you read, you actually have to sit down, you have to pay attention, you have to focus — and even better if you are sat there taking notes while you’re reading.
It is food for the brain.
And the beauty of this is that you do not need to spend hours each day doing this.
As little as 30 minutes per day is more than enough to make the habit sustainable for most people.
Benefit #2: Reading Improves Your Vocabulary (Without You Trying)
When it comes to improving your vocabulary, many, many people think it’s all about shoving your head in a dictionary and memorizing words.
But I’d actually argue that this is a poor, poor way to improve your vocabulary.
A much better way is to read books.
You see, when you read books, you’re probably going to come across words that you wouldn’t encounter in everyday conversations.
You’re also going to learn what these words mean, because you’ve seen them used in different contexts.
Like I said, this is much, much better than shoving your head in a dictionary.
And some people might be questioning this and thinking to themselves, “Well, how is being articulate going to help me in the real world?”
And I’d actually argue that it can be a massive help, because if you’re able to express yourself and explain things more clearly and precisely, people are more likely to listen.
So in the workplace, for example, this can be a huge, huge benefit, especially if you’re in a management position or customer-facing role.
It can also help you in relationships — think with your spouse and with your children.
This is actually a hidden benefit of reading:
It improves the way you speak.
Benefit #3: Reading Increases Your Knowledge
When it comes to smarts, I always say a bit of book smarts and a bit of street smarts is where it’s at, so you’re kind of in the middle.
So this is a guy who possesses common sense and people sense, and this is gained through real-world life experience.
On the other hand, he’s also knowledgeable in his chosen subjects because he’s well-read, and this is where a library card comes in.
You see, when you read books, you’re gaining second-hand knowledge from the author.
You’re gaining access to new information, new ideas, and facts, depending on the book that you are reading.
And of course, this not only improves your knowledge base, but it can also help you with regards to making better decisions in your life.
I would honestly go as far as to say that reading well-vetted books is like a software update for the brain.
And because this world is changing so, so quickly, you have to be constantly updating and upgrading your knowledge, otherwise you’re going to be left behind.
This is why a library card should always be in your wallet.
Benefit #4: Strength Training Builds More Than Muscle (It Builds Confidence)
I’m just going to be frank with you:
This “fake it till you make it” stuff is all bullshit.
The reason I call it bullshit is because it is bullshit — you do not become confident by faking it, you become confident by becoming competent.
And you become competent in your chosen domain by achieving goals and improving your capabilities, and this is where strength training comes in.
You see, with strength training, the progress is very, very measurable, and you’ll more than likely see improvements very quickly.
For example, if you compare somebody’s lifting technique from month one to month ten, there’s probably a massive improvement — that person will probably notice that they’re able to lift heavier weights.
They’ll also notice that their body has changed drastically due to the work they’ve put in.
This builds confidence, and this leads me perfectly on to the next point because strength training is not only good for the body, but it’s also good for the mind as well.
Benefit #5: Strength Training Can Be Good for Your Mood
If you're interested in reading a study, click this link
The mind and body is really connected, and when you train one, the other often benefits as well.
You see, when strength training and lifting weights, it requires you to be present in the moment.
You need to be concentrating and focused, and you need to adapt when necessary.
Not to mention that when you move the body, you also release feel-good chemicals — you release endorphins.
I would honestly go as far as to say that strength training and meditation are two sides of the same coin, and any powerlifter will tell you…
That if you have a heavy barbell sitting on your back, it is practically impossible to think of anything else other than squatting down, moving, and coming back up.
It requires you to be very present in the moment and psychologists and gurus will call this mindfulness.
Benefit #6: Strength Training Can Help You Live Longer
I’ve saved the best till last, and that is:
And of course, other things matter as well — we’re talking sleep quality, nutrition, relationships, stress levels.
It’s like a circle, and they all connect. For somebody to live a long life, all of these things need to be connected.
So it’s not as black and white as me saying “just go to the gym and you will live longer.”
But according to studies, strength training, when done in moderation, is very, very good for you.
For example, according to studies it can help improve bone density.
According to studies, strength training can help prevent sarcopenia, which is basically somebody losing muscle mass as they age.
And According to studies, strength training is very good for metabolic health — think blood sugar control and things of that nature.
There are tons and tons of benefits to strength training; it isn’t just about looking good in the mirror.
And you know what the beauty of all this is?
A gym membership and a library card can be attained for less than $50 a month.
Let me repeat that:
Less than $50 a month. Now that’s what I call a proper investment.