When people talk about investments (especially in the business world), it’s usually all about money. Fancy courses, flashy business tools, or the latest “must-have” software. But if you ask me, investments go way beyond cash. I’m talking about time, energy, and relationships—the things that really drive growth, in business and in life.

This year, I organized my best investments into three categories: money well spent, time & energy, and relationships. Each one shaped my year in ways I didn’t expect. 

Let’s dive in!

Money Well Spent: Ongoing Support

These are the investments I dropped some cash on this year and I’m proud to say that I don’t regret a cent.

The Writer’s Room

First up, The Writer’s Room, led by the lovely Natty Writes. It’s a membership for creatives who need a little structure and accountability to blog consistently. 

Spoiler alert: that was exactly what I needed.

When I joined, I was a total newbie to blogging, fumbling around and overthinking every post. The Writer’s Room changed that completely. 

Weekly co-writing sessions? Check. 

Bi-monthly trainings? Check. 

Quarterly blog planning calls? Check. 

Detailed feedback on blog drafts? Double Check!

The Writer’s Room is such a valuable membership because it’s a designated space where I can brainstorm, draft, and polish my blogs alongside a community of other business owners while also getting weekly support.

The real magic, though, is Natty herself. Her expertise and encouragement have been game-changing. Blogging went from being a source of stress to a creative outlet I actually look forward to. 

Joining The Writer’s Room wasn’t just a win for my blog—it’s been one of the smartest investments I’ve made for my business and if I’m being completely honest, my confidence. 

Launch Your Own Way

Next on the list: Launch Your Own Way by Kelsey McCormick of Coming Up Roses. Hands down, it’s the best online course I’ve EVER taken. And trust me, I’ve taken A LOT over the years.

This program is all about creating a marketing strategy that feels like you. None of that cookie-cutter, copy-paste nonsense that leaves you cringing. Kelsey’s frameworks help you craft offers, warm up your audience, and launch in a way that doesn’t feel robotic or sleazy.

What really sets LYOW apart is the level of support. There’s a live weeklong component where you dive into all the frameworks plus an implementation week where Kelsey and guest experts offer feedback.

But my favorite part? 

Six months of access to the Launch Pad, a Slack community where you can ask questions, submit plans, and get detailed feedback during weekly office hours. 

Kelsey’s no-BS, tough-love approach has been exactly what I needed to get out of my own way, stay accountable, and launch with confidence. Plus, she has an ADHD-friendly approach tailored for “squiggly creatives” (like me!), which makes it even more actionable. I loved the program so much that I even renewed for another six months!

Time & Energy: The True Game-Changers

These investments didn’t cost a dime but had a huge impact on my growth.

My Newsletter (Thursday Thoughts)

When I started Thursday Thoughts in February, I didn’t know where it would take me. 

What began as a way to share ideas and nurture my audience has grown into a creative outlet I genuinely LOVE and actually look forward to writing every week.

At first, my newsletter was basically just an expansion of the little brain sparks I’d get while out walking my dog, Angus. I’d think about running a business, entrepreneurship, and honestly, just the chaotic beauty of being a human, and I’d jot it all down. 

Back then, I’d share these thoughts on Instagram Stories every Thursday, calling them “Thursday Thoughts.” They were my way of sharing words of encouragement—little snippets that might make someone feel less alone or more understood.

Eventually, those posts grew into this full-fledged newsletter, where I dive deeper into those ideas, tell my stories, and connect with you all on a more personal level.

Now, the newsletter has morphed into something so much bigger for me. It’s become a low-pressure, fun way to write, flex my creativity, and reflect each week.

In the process, it’s created this amazing community of like-minded humans, which is honestly the coolest part. I love connecting with people who get it, sharing our collective experiences, and feeling that mutual “Oh, it’s not just me?” vibe.

So yes, it takes time and effort (and okay, sometimes I miss a week because I’m human). But it’s a commitment I love and plan to keep.

If you’d like to be part of this little community of Thursday thinkers, you can subscribe here.

My Blog

I officially started blogging at the end of 2023, thanks to Natty and her Blogmas challenge (join The Writers Room if you want blogging help and a supportive community!).

Buuuut blogging is a serious time and energy investment—not gonna lie. 

Planning, writing, and uploading take me literal hours each week. Sometimes I question if it’s worth it, but here’s the thing…it IS!! 

Blogging is a long game, but I’ve already seen results in just a year! In November, traffic started rolling in from posts I wrote a year ago which was so satisfying and proof that effort pays off over time.

Yes, I use blogging as an SEO tool and a way to build authority, but it’s also been transformative in ways I didn’t expect. It’s helped me clarify my messaging, boosted my confidence, and strengthened my voice both personally and in business. 

Plus, blogging has given me SO much content to repurpose! 

From weaving blog snippets into my newsletter to creating Instagram posts, I’ve realized how much smarter (and easier) it is to build content around a solid blog foundation.

Consistent blogging isn’t always easy, but it’s been one of the best investments I’ve made this year and I can’t wait to build on it even more in the new year!

Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories and I weren’t always friends, but this year we finally clicked. Stories have become my favorite way to show up authentically, share bits of my day, and engage with my audience without overthinking.

From collaborations to referrals, the opportunities I’ve gained from simply showing up have been huge. Plus, if I overshare or embarrass myself? It’s gone in 24 hours—win win! haha

Back to Social Challenge

Shoutout to Xanthe Appleyard of Oh Sierra for her Back to Social Challenge. It came at the perfect time when I needed a confidence boost to get back into content creation specifically for Instagram. 

The challenge was simple, and effective, and gave me the momentum AND confidence to show up consistently again. Plus it came with a beautiful Notion template and connection to an awesome community to support each other. 

She originally ran the challenge live, but you can still subscribe to get all the goodies and do it on your own time if that’s something you struggle with.  

Highly recommend it if you’re in a creative rut.

Relationships: Building Stronger Connections

You know what they say—relationships are everything. And this year, I made some investments in both my personal connections and my relationship with myself.

The Gym

Okay, confession, I didn’t start my gym routine until November. Yep, a little late to the party. But now that I’ve gotten into it, I’m feeling not just physically stronger, but mentally sharper too. 

This year has been tough in a lot of ways, and I ended up with some pretty unhealthy habits around both my physical and mental health. My morning routine was all over the place, which set off a chain reaction of chaos that spilled into pretty much every area of my life.

So in November, I decided it was time to change that. I signed up for a gym membership, hoping it would help me feel a little more grounded (you can read more about that here). 

What I didn’t expect was how much my gym routine would turn into a calming little ritual with my partner. It’s a great way to start the day, and it’s made a huge difference in my habits—better food choices, more sleep, and a noticeable drop in my anxiety.

Safe to say, this investment is definitely paying off.

Morning Pages

If you’ve read The Artist’s Way, you’re probably already familiar with Morning Pages. But if not, let me break it down for you: it’s basically the practice of writing three pages of free-flowing thoughts first thing in the morning to clear your head. 

Simple, right?

I first got into it a few years ago, but let’s be honest, I fell off the wagon for a while. This year, though, I revisited it and… I’m hooked again. 

It’s such a simple concept, and sure, journaling isn’t anything groundbreaking, but integrating this little practice into my morning routine has made a huge difference. It’s helped me clear out the mental clutter before diving into work, and honestly? It’s made me feel way more calm and focused throughout the day.

Book Club

I’ve been in a book club for years now, and every time we finish a book and chat about it, I’m reminded how much of an investment it is in my personal growth and my business. It’s not just about reading—it’s the community and connection that comes with it.

I’ve made reading part of my daily routine, and once a month, I get to hang with other entrepreneurs and talk about what we’ve read. It’s such a game-changer, honestly. 

Having that space to chat with people who get what it’s like to juggle businesses and passions makes me feel less alone and also more connected to myself. It’s like I’m investing in my own growth while staying rooted in a community of like-minded people.

Also, the conversations keep me motivated and inspired which is something we all need as entrepreneurs.

What’s Worth Investing In?

This year has taught me that investments aren’t just about money. Time, energy, and relationships matter just as much, and when you pour into them, the returns can be far more rewarding than anything you can buy.

Looking back at my investments, whether showing up on Instagram, being in communities or focusing on my personal growth—have been truly transformative. 

The best investments aren’t always financial. They’re the ones that help you show up for yourself, your work, and the people who make the journey worth it.What’s the best investment you’ve made this year? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you! Drop a comment or slide into my DMs!