Six Intangible Investments for Life

All concerns and actions on financial matters are with some purpose and objective in mind. If one plans things well, then sooner or later there will be a stage in life when financial issues will become less relevant. But by then a lot would have changed in every individual’s life. There are aspects of personal and social life which will become more important. To make sure that life remains complete, it is important to give adequate time and effort to the intangible, yet valuable investments in life.

Invest Time and Money in Health

“Health is Wealth”, but the corollary is not true. Wealth cannot substitute for health. Accumulated wealth will be of little use if the health does not permit its desirable utilization. Further wealth cannot provide the happiness and feeling of well-being as a healthy state of body and mind would do. Two key elements of maintaining good health are Nutrition and Exercise. One needs to eat the correct thing, at the right time, in measured quantity. Similarly, the nature and duration of exercise is according to individual interests and fitness levels. Both eating and exercise are very contextual to every individual and one needs to ascertain what is best. The best way of doing it is not necessarily going to the nutritionist, but taking time out to read on the subject, understand the interplay of food and exercise with the body, and make it a reflex action.  

Spend Time with Family & Friends

Most of us have stayed away from Family and friends for a long time due to professional engagements. More than anything else, it is a matter of individual priorities and the capability to achieve work-life balance. It is however never too late to catch up. Many social media platforms do give us a sense of engagement, but that is not what I am hinting at. There are many social events that we are part of, but the purpose is not more than adding a couple of selfies to fill the social media space and give a Page 3 feeling. I am suggesting a connection at the personal level, and spending more of quality time with them which is more meaningful and real.

Devote Time towards Spirituality

Many saints have devoted their entire life to understand and explain many intangible aspects of human life. All religions converge at one issue, and that is spirituality being the route to connect with all energies within and outside. We all must face different challenges in our personal and professional lives, because suffering is the sole purpose of human form. Remaining spiritually alive is likely to give us the necessary strength to deal with routine and inevitable life problems.

Invest in a Creative Hobby

We all find something to do in our free time. The plethora of gadgets available today have made it more easy. But my understanding of Hobby is that it must be something creative for which one would have to find time. The later years are likely to be giving you more time, and lesser things to worry about. But in absence of something meaningful to do, one is likely to end up in worrying about something or the other. Good hobbies take time and money to develop. Photography is one good hobby which if clubbed with an appropriate subject can make all other activities like vacation and celebrations etc more fun. It is very satisfying to make someone else feel good through your lens. There are plethora of interests like painting, writing etc to choose from as per individual inclinations.

Invest Time and Effort to Understand Technology

The last few decades have seen a spectacular evolution of technologies which are affordable. Irrespective of the nature of job, one cannot avoid use of technology in some or the other form. Use of a Smartphone being the most common of all. Increasing number and types of gadgets are now available within an affordable range which help in easing our functionality. I am certain that within couple of years many of us will be either owning, or considering to buy some form of automated/robotic appliances to help in routine household. Adapting to technology can make us self-reliant and reduce dependency on others, esp in the later years.   

Consider Philanthropy

The last stage of the Wealth Cycle is the Distribution stage. One has to realize that our spiritual lessons are the crux of the observation and experience of unimaginable number of life cycles. Upanishads teach us that it is our duty to earn wealth through legitimate means. The purpose being to ensure the well-being of self, family, society, and the nation. Some may earn more than the others. And many will remain deprived till late in life. One can analyze how, when, to what extent, and with whom to share the wealth. Accumulated wealth will in any case get distributed and utilized by someone after us. Seeing, or deciding its utilization in a purposeful manner while we live can give a greater sense of satisfaction.

Recommendations

• Take care of your health. Eat correct and exercise your body.

• Spend more quality time with family and friends.

• Develop your spiritual self.

• Identify your interests and pursue some hobby.
  
• Explore available technologies and make use of what is affordable.

• Consider distributing a part of your wealth to the lesser privileged.