"The best investment you can make is in yourself." – Warren Buffett
As a productivity expert, I spend my days helping people cut through the noise of daily tasks to create space for what truly matters. At the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on where you’ve spent your time, energy, and resources—and to plan for what’s next. Here are the top five things you’ll never regret investing in. And just so you know you're not alone in this; I'll be right there with you working on each of these things as we go through the year. Watch for some upcoming video updates from me and I'd love to hear back from you, so comment below or just email me directly at dcullerton@pmaphil.com.
Health and Well-BeingYour body and mind are the engines that power everything else in your life. Investing in your health—whether that means making time for exercise, eating well, prioritizing sleep, or managing stress—is never wasted. Small, consistent actions lead to big outcomes. The time you spend on self-care now will save you exponentially more time and energy later when you’re healthier and more focused.
Action Step: Schedule a non-negotiable 30 minutes daily for movement, whether it’s a walk, yoga, or a workout. Put it on your calendar like any important meeting. I'm doing it RIGHT now!
Relationships and Connection
We often measure success by what we accomplish, but the quality of our relationships ultimately defines our fulfillment. Whether it’s time with family, investing in a strong professional network, or deepening friendships, connection is an asset that never depreciates. Set aside distractions and be fully present with the people who matter most.
Action Step: Reach out to one person you’ve been meaning to reconnect with and schedule a time to talk or meet. Genuine connection starts with a simple gesture. I just touched based with one of my oldest friends and I'm so glad I did!
Experiences Over Things
Research shows that experiences bring more lasting happiness than material possessions. Whether it’s traveling to a new place, trying an activity outside your comfort zone, or simply taking time to savor moments, these investments enrich your life and give you stories to share. Experiences broaden your perspective and deepen your appreciation for the world around you.
Action Step: Plan one meaningful experience for next year—a trip, a workshop, or an activity that excites you—and block out time now to make it happen. I try to give experience gifts instead of things whenever I can. I'd share an experience I'm planning for my nephews and niece, but I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise on Christmas -- more to come later!
Tools and Systems That Save Time
Streamlining how you handle daily tasks can create space for what matters most. Whether it’s investing in AI-powered tools, a great productivity app or taking the time to improve a process with your team, the goal is to free up your mental bandwidth for higher-value work or personal priorities. Tools like AI aren’t just productivity boosters—they’re becoming essential for staying ahead.
Action Step: Identify one repetitive task you handle manually and explore an AI tool or system to automate it. Start with something simple, like email summarizing, scheduling, data analysis or writing. We just created a WorkingSm@rt using AI program and I couldn't be more excited to share a path forward for every team. We'll be doing a free sneak peak of the concepts on January 8th at 11am, so click here if you'd like to register.
Personal Growth and Development
In a world that’s changing faster than ever—fueled by AI, automation, and shifting industries—the best investment you can make is in yourself. Learning new skills, embracing curiosity, and staying adaptable will ensure you’re not left behind. Whether it’s a professional certification, a leadership course, or just reading widely, developing yourself is the ultimate long-term strategy.
AI in particular makes this investment more urgent. It’s already transforming how we work, and those who can pair their expertise with the right tools will lead the charge. The good news is, it’s never too late to start.
Action Step: Commit to learning something new that enhances your skills in the coming year. Sign up for a course, listen to podcasts, or read a book on a topic relevant to your growth. We're offering more open enrollment courses this year than we ever have as people look to sharpen their skills in productivity, communication, emotional intelligence, leadership and more.
Final Thoughts
The end of the year is a reminder that time is your most valuable currency. As you reflect on the past year and plan for the next, ask yourself: Are you investing in what truly matters?
Prioritize these five areas, and you’ll set yourself up for a future where your time, energy, and focus align with your goals. Because at the end of the day, the best investments create not just success—but a life you love. Stay curious and productive my friends. Here’s to making 2025 your most intentional year yet! If you enjoyed reading this blog post you may be interested in this one, "Reclaim your time and live a more intentional life"
