self-investment: the most important asset you can own
We often talk about growing wealth, but what if the most important investment wasn’t in stocks, real estate, or funds—but in yourself?
Self-investment is the most valuable and timeless asset you can own. Unlike material things, it compounds over time, just like financial investments.
Here Are the 3 Pillars of Self-Investment That I Go By (And Recommend You Look Into As Well)
1) Intellectual Investment
My parents, especially my mother, always infused the idea that knowledge is something no one can take from you. You don't have to be naturally brilliant (I’ll admit, my math skills aren't the most impressive, and they know it too), but you do need to be disciplined enough to seek understanding and apply what you learn to fuel your future.
I’m currently finishing up my degree in Political Science and Business, a choice I made with intention—not to simply "get a degree," but to build a foundation for something much greater. I’m passionate about these topics, and I know I can turn them into a powerful advantage for myself. From the beginning, I told my mother there was no chance I’d pursue Nursing or any other medical field, and she respected that decision. She understood that my strengths and skills are rooted in the worlds of politics and business. Today, I genuinely enjoy what I’m learning. From reviewing concepts before lectures to reading chapters and solving practice problems, I’m constantly engaging with the material.
Beyond academics, I prioritize staying informed on global events, market trends, financial literacy, and business opportunities. This knowledge allows me to hold my own in conversations with important people I never imagined I’d meet. Being able to ask insightful, relevant questions opens the door to learning from them. Staying intellectually curious is a constant form of self-investment that continuously pays off.
2) Aesthetic Investment
Est. 2002 — I’ve been told I’ve had an eye for style since I was a child. The proof is in the countless pictures my father took of me growing up, dramatically posing in outfits I’d put together from casual clothes and Halloween costumes. My mother said no one taught me how to pose; it came naturally. And I still feel that to this day.
A girly-girl for the longest time, I’ve always made sure I looked put-together before leaving the house. Over the years, I’ve curated my personal style into something timeless, filled with neutral palettes, earth tones, and high-quality, enduring pieces. It’s not about following trends—it’s about wearing items that speak to longevity and refinement. My wardrobe reflects this intentional approach to style.
Refined accessories are key, with gold jewelry being a staple. But aesthetic investment goes beyond just what you wear—it’s about how you present yourself in every way. People will treat you based on how you treat yourself. This extends to confidence, composure, and basic manners. Carrying yourself with grace, knowing how to communicate, and presenting yourself well are all parts of aesthetic investment.
Another crucial aspect of this pillar is having a wellness and beauty routine that includes movement, skincare, and mindful nourishment (take your vitamins for starters!). For example, my beauty routine consists of monthly lash lifts, nail appointments, sugaring, and a Korean facial in Vancouver every now and then. I take care of my hair at home, making sure the products I use line up with my hair type. Consistency in these routines reflects the internal foundation of elegance and self-respect. A well-maintained self is a reflection of intentional investment in your appearance, energy, and health.
3) Emotional Investment
By prioritizing my own peace, understanding my emotions, setting boundaries, and thinking of the glass as half-full, I’m able to cultivate emotional resilience, maintain a clear mind, and approach life's challenges with grace and intention.
Emotional investment is not just about "feeling good" but about building strength from within. It’s about learning how to protect your peace by setting boundaries and being mindful of what you allow into your energy field. This involves being selective with the people you surround yourself with and the commitments you accept.
Part of emotional investment is building a mindset of abundance. Instead of focusing on what’s lacking, I choose to focus on possibilities and potential. It’s not about being blindly positive, but about maintaining clarity and purpose in times of uncertainty.
I know that I am emotionally resilient, and neither outside influences nor my own thoughts can make me otherwise. I’ve built the self-awareness to process emotions, acknowledge them, and move forward with purpose. This approach strengthens my mental well-being and allows me to make clear, intentional decisions when faced with challenges.
Investing emotionally means creating an internal environment where you can thrive. It’s about knowing when to step back, when to say no, and when to say yes to yourself. Over time, this type of self-awareness builds emotional maturity and inner peace—two things that money can’t buy.
The M.Y. Lifestyle
I’ve created The M.Y. Lifestyle based on these 3 Pillars of Self-Investment. Each pillar—Intellectual, Aesthetic, and Emotional Investment—supports a well-rounded, intentionally crafted life. Together, they form a lifestyle of balance, refinement, and self-mastery.
These pillars aren’t just ideas I’m sharing for the sake of it. They’re principles I actively live by. My goal isn’t to simply "achieve success" in the traditional sense, but to live elegantly, think critically, and operate from a place of strength and grace. I hope that by sharing my approach, you’re inspired to reflect on your own pillars of self-investment and build a version of The M.Y. Lifestyle that’s unique to you.
The ROI (Return-on-Investment) of Self-Investment
Self-investment pays off long-term, that's your ROI. The most elegant form of wealth is one that you build within yourself. It’s the confidence of knowing that you are your greatest investment. Everything else is a reflection of that truth.
With love,
Maria Diana