7 Things You Can Do Right Now to Improve Your Life

In case you haven’t noticed, we are now almost two decades into the 21^st century. If you haven’t got an investment portfolio yet, here are a few things you can do to make sure you survive in the 2020s. Try to do these before hitting 30:

1. Manage money wisely

We don’t mean simply putting it all in the bank. Putting some of it in stable long-term stocks or bonds allows it to keep up with inflation, and then some. The first step to making big money in the stock market is understanding the basics such as the factors affecting stock price movements.

Starting a business is also a good idea, but only if you are dedicated to giving it your full attention. Get your feet wet by investing in a franchise. For less than P1 million, you can put up your own food business.

When expanding your investments, don’t put all your eggs in one risky high-yield basket. Diversify. And keep saving. Don’t yield to the temptation to splurge the moment you get a bigger paycheck. You never know when the next global financial disaster is going to hit.

2. Keep up to date

Keeping up to date with developments in your field is an obvious necessity. Don’t skip any training seminars or programs in related fields that might come your way, either. Also, immersing yourself in information technology, even if it isn’t your field, is vital in acquiring the tools to transition completely into the digital age.

3. Be a people person

Aside from technical skills, ‘soft skills’ are very important to future employers. Technology may reduce the need for rote knowledge and technical knowhow, but it is no replacement for the ‘human touch.’ Adaptability, empathy, leadership, and problem-solving skills all help make you a better team player—or leader.

4. Network, network, network

The best way to better yourself as a professional is to surround yourself with better people. Build up a network of professional colleagues and acquaintances that you can learn from or collaborate with. If things go south at your current job, having friends in other places can come in pretty handy.

5. Think global

In today’s interconnected world, businesses run around the clock, drawing on manpower and resources from around the globe. Which gives you the opportunity to expand your network and work with people and organizations from other countries. Whether that means working off-site or online, or even moving abroad, moving outside your local comfort zone can unlock amazing opportunities. At the very least, international work experience will make you much more attractive to future employers.

6. Develop a stable career and a good reputation

While you should take chances every now and then, employers may shy away from hires that move jobs too often. In the absence of any pressing issues at the workplace, stay long enough to develop a good rapport with the company and to ensure that they can give you a good recommendation when it’s time to move on.

7. But don’t be afraid to take charge

In the end, it’s your life. If you don’t see a future where you are, despite your loyalty to the company, maybe it’s time to move on. For the lucky few, life may happen whether they try or not, but your chances are better when you’ve got a plan for the future. It’s your life. Own it!

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