The Love Language Phenomenon

The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman has been around since 1992 and has sold over 12 million copies. That means for almost 30 years people have not only been learning about their own preferred language when it comes to love; they’ve also been encouraging their partners to take the quiz so they can be ‘in the know’ about their preferences.

The Investment Language Proposition

A recent podcast review of the book (Shelf Help with Tracy and Amanda) got me thinking about other kinds of languages—or preferences—we all have. For instance, I completed an inventory recently that came from my financial advisor. The questions were centered on stocks vs. bonds and all things related to money, growth, income, and retirement. As I answered the questions on the inventory, I realized how much my perspective on investments has changed in the past few years. My risk tolerance has increased, and my investment ‘language’ is now much more about the belief that losing—or failing—is all part of the game.

For most of my adult years, I had a very low tolerance for risk. I went for the safe bet when it came to investing my hard-earned money. I wanted the sure thing; the small, steady gains; the comfort of knowing my money would be part of a modest upward trajectory the majority of the time. Another way to look at this? I wanted to be ‘winning’ and definitely NOT losing.

My change in perspective hasn’t come because I learned more about the stock market. It is the result of my current investment language (or mindset).

A Change in Focus

When I hire a coach or other expert to help me in my business or my life, in general, I make that decision from a value standpoint. What is the value I’ll gain from the commitment to work with the expert?

I focus on the new tools I’ll use both during my time with the expert well as in years to come. The value doesn’t come to a screeching halt when my contract with the professional is complete.

I focus on the expertise of the professional I hire and know that it wasn’t gained solely in a certification or education program but rather was honed over years of failing and learning and succeeding.

I focus on who I will become as a result of the commitment I put into the engagement and the growth I’ll experience by not playing it safe.

I don’t divide the financial investment by the number of sessions we work together because I believe the professional is worth SO much more than a calculated hourly rate.

More than anything else, I trust myself. I know I’ll get the greatest value I possibly can from any investment I choose to make.

And this trust has less to do with the professional I hire and everything to do with my belief that I get what I come for every time I invest in myself.

A Realization to Celebrate

As I completed that inventory for my financial advisor, I couldn’t help but smile and soak in the realization of how far I’ve come. My investment language has evolved.

I’m ready for the risk. I’m ready for the losses and the gains. I’m ready for the growth.

I invest in myself and I get what I come for. It’s the latest version of who I am.

Your Investment Language

How about you? What is your investment language?

Do you believe the risk of investing in yourself will result in the ROI you want?

And what does that investing look like for you?

• Will you invest in your physical well-being by hiring a trainer (who may offer virtual sessions)?
• Is your career stalled and you’re thinking of hiring a career coach?
• Maybe it’s your financial health you want to improve by working with a financial advisor who can get you back on track.

Whatever the investment might be, know that when you enter into it with the right mindset– that mindset of knowing you’ll get what you come for– you’ll win (but only every time).

Happy investing to you!