Beyond the Balance Sheet: Investing in Yourself

With my wife Suzie away visiting her dad in Spain, I’ve been keeping myself busy, and I must say I’ve had a pretty active few days! On Wednesday, I played two hours of pickleball in the morning and then did a 5k fun run with my grandson in the evening. Thursday saw me walking the shoreline of Belfast Lough from Bangor to Holywood – about 12k. Then on Friday, after driving to my holiday home on the North Coast, I enjoyed a roughly 10k walk along the beach and the headlands above the Giant’s Causeway. Saturday I lowered the pace with a little nine-hole links course overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

What really struck me was the reaction I got from two friends, both my age and with no particular medical conditions, when I told them about these plans. Their responses were surprisingly negative, along the lines of “that’s too much activity,” “I wouldn’t be able to do that,” and “I’d be too tired to enjoy any of it.”

Their comments got me thinking… again! We live in a world that constantly encourages us to invest in our financial future – saving for retirement, building wealth, ensuring security for our later years. And rightly so; financial planning is crucial. But why do we so often overlook, or even neglect, the equally vital investment in our physical and mental health?

Your body is, arguably, your most valuable asset. Just like a financial portfolio, it requires consistent attention, diverse ‘investments’ (exercise, healthy eating, rest), and protection from ‘risks’ (sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, chronic stress). Neglecting your health today is like choosing not to contribute to your pension – you might not feel the pinch immediately, but the long-term consequences can be severe.

My friends’ reactions highlight a common mindset: that physical activity is a chore, something to be endured rather than enjoyed, or even something impossible. This often stems from a perceived lack of time, feeling unmotivated or overwhelmed. However, my experience demonstrates the opposite. I find enjoyment and vitality in these activities. It’s not about being an elite athlete; it’s about building capacity and resilience in your body so you can continue to enjoy life’s adventures, big and small, well into your later years.

The good news is that getting started with exercise doesn’t have to be daunting. The easiest steps involve simply starting small and finding something you enjoy. Even a 10-minute walk a few times a week is a significant beginning. The goal is to build momentum and see exercise as a way to boost your energy and improve your mood, rather than a burden.

Just as financial discipline allows for future freedom, investing in your health ensures you have the energy, mobility, and cognitive function to truly experience that freedom. It means being able to keep up with your grandchildren, explore new places, pursue hobbies, and maintain your independence. Ultimately, investing in yourself and maintaining your health to the best of your ability is just as important, if not more so, than the time you invest in your financial life. One without the other risks leaving you rich in funds but poor in quality of life.