Hi, my name is Vaibhavi Goyal, and welcome to Choose Fullness.

The best investment I’ve ever made didn’t involve money, stocks, or anything material. It started when I chose to treat myself like someone worth taking care of, and that has been the most significant mindset shift for me.

For me, it wasn’t until I reached a certain level of self-respect that I truly wanted to invest in myself. Because think about it, if you don’t respect something, why would you spend time or energy on it? Once I began to value myself, it naturally became easier to do things that supported that value. And as a result, I found myself extending that same respect and care to others.

You might’ve heard the idea that you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Whether or not you agree, one thing is true: your environment shapes you. Investing in yourself also means taking an honest look at the people around you. Ask yourself—do they lift you up or leave you drained? Do they challenge you in the right ways, or do you find yourself shrinking around them? For me, once I became more intentional about how I spent my time and who I gave my energy to, everything started to shift. I realized that surrounding myself with people who were disciplined, kind, driven, or spiritually grounded naturally helped me lean into those values too. The people closest to you can either make it easier or harder to grow into the best version of yourself, and being honest about that is part of learning how to invest in your future.

We don’t invest in stocks without understanding their value. In the same way, if you don’t see your own value, you won’t think you’re worth investing in either. That’s why it all starts with knowing yourself, and understanding what you actually value. If you’re struggling with insecurity or low self-confidence, maybe it’s because you haven’t taken time to figure out what truly matters to you. We live in a world constantly telling us what to care about, but have you ever stopped to ask: What do I believe? What do I value?

Start by reflecting on your life experiences. Think about the moments that changed you. What did they teach you? What values came from them? Prioritize those values. Let them guide your decisions. And don’t tolerate things that pull you away from them. But the thing is values can change, and they probably will over time, but you won’t recognize that unless you take the time to pause and reflect. I know it’s not easy. We live in a fast-paced, media-filled world. But take the time, just sit with yourself, think, and be honest. I can’t tell you what your values should be, but I can share a few of mine, and how I’ve built routines around them to grow my self-respect.

I believe my body is a temple. That means fueling it with mostly whole foods and high protein, but also not restricting myself. Balance matters, and treating myself is part of keeping my mind happy, too. I try to get eight hours of sleep, limit caffeine when I can, and rest when I need to. You can’t function well during the day if your body isn’t rested. I also try to spend a few minutes every day in meditation and prayer. As a Type A person, my mind can get overwhelmed quickly. This habit grounds me and helps me stay present when I find myself getting wrapped up into the future.

Something that’s been surprisingly important for me is making space for creativity, even when it doesn’t come naturally. I never considered myself a creative person. But I realized the issue wasn’t my ability, it was my mindset, I just never gave myself space to explore that side. This blog has become my creative space. Even when I don’t feel like writing, I do it anyway. Just like going to the gym when you have no motivation—once you get into it, the endorphins kick in. It’s the same with creativity. When I write, I turn off distractions and sit with my thoughts, even if it’s uncomfortable at first. I used to have a short attention span and relied on constant stimulation from my phone. But over time, I’ve gotten better. Giving myself room to be creative has brought more fulfillment than I expected.

Another way I invest in myself is through podcasts. Yes, I love music, but swapping in a few hours of podcast time each week has made a huge difference. And it’s pretty easy to find time in your day for them, I listen while I’m driving, working out, closing at work, or getting ready for the day.

Some of my favorites:

• Deep thinking: SOLVED with Mark Manson
  
• News: UNBIASED Politics by Jordan Berman
  
• Money & Investing: Rich Habits by Austin Hankwitz & Robert Croak
  
• Healthcare: The Checkup with Doctor Mike
  
• Spiritual: Becoming Something with Jonathan Pokluda
  
• Lifestyle: anything goes with Emma Chamberlain
  

Now, you don’t need to feel overwhelmed by all this. You’re probably already doing more than you think to invest in yourself. Just pick one small habit and shift it in the right direction. Maybe spend less time on social media and more time reflecting. Swap some music time for a podcast. Get outside more. Whatever it is, start small and stay consistent. Eventually, it becomes second nature. You are valuable. You are an asset. You are worth investing in.

So remember—your glass is full. Whether you see it that way is up to you.