By Daniel Becerra

When I read the book Why We Want You To Be Rich - written by Donald Trump & Robert Kiyosaki – they stressed the importance of investing, not spending, two things: Time and Money. I re-read that chapter many times and each time I read it, I wrote down new possible ways on how to invest time and how to invest money. After I did that, I wrote down what possible results the different types of investing could have and how would this affect the rest of my life. I want to share with you some of that stuff.

As I began writing on how the two things could relate to each other, I quickly got to the conclusion that time and money are related even more than most of us think. We have all heard that time is money, time is gold, time is every thing – but no one ever tells us how to use that time and much less how to use the money that can be made with a good use of our time.

Money

What I learned is that it’s very easy to fall into the trap of wasting your money. Most of us have been doing it for years now, it began with our parents and they passed it on to us, our friends then helped us build that money-waste habit and the habit was completed by the many “Waste your money on me” commercials. For instance, how many people do you know that work anywhere from twenty-five to forty hours per week to earn an income of 500-800 dollars, which is later wasted on fast food (which we learned from our parents, go out with our friends to have and see on commercials daily), an annoyingly loud stereo system for their cars, and other stuff that never gives you a returning income? If you went to High School like me, you should know plenty of them. This phenomenon is so common that is considered to be normal and anyone following this pattern is just another human being, but great achievers see opportunities where others do not.

For instance, instead of buying a combo for 6 dollars in your near-by Carl’s Jr or McDonalds, you can go to your local Gas Station and buy a small snack or an energy bar, which has the following benefits to it: Healthier, cheaper, gives you more energy. Now let’s look at the results this little change would have. Becoming healthier will prevent you from missing work, writing, playing sports, waste time laying down on bed resting and so on. If you buy cheaper things you’re automatically saving money, no brainer. If you have more energy as a result of healthier food, then you perform better, you think clearer and you go through your day with contagious radiant positive energy – on the other hand, fast food will only make you tired and sleepy. Small change, great positive result.

Another example would be using money to buy a book. When you buy a book, you’re buying knowledge and insights into the mind of a man/woman who is or has been successful in life. There are exceptions, of course. Buying a book is really exploring the mind of a successful individual and when you begin to adopt this habit, successful thoughts and habits begin to build within you. It can also enhance your mind’s creativity and perspective. For instance, I’m currently reading a very long book called “Shantaram” – which Nick recommended – and even though it’s a story, the book is so rich in content that one must take break in order to absorb everything the book has to offer. Since reading this book – which is the life of a prisoner on the run and the things he learned in India – I have noticed that I have stopped giving importance to things that before got me upset, since the book shapes my belief that someone always has it worse. I have also developed a deeper respect, curiosity and admiration for the Indian Culture. Reading a book is in short, a vitamin for your mind. It will pay off as you grow up and there is knowledge from many sources into your head. You will become more eloquent and people will respect you for that. You will have more chances of landing a job. You will get more in life by simply dedicating yourself to read. Now isn’t that a great investment of your money?

Other things that you can invest your money on – leaving aside stocks, bonds, real state since I know nothing about them – are technology, good clothes and other reliable accessories. For example, an IPod and its dock would allow you to listen to music while you exercise, which will pump you up, in consequence, having a better , more extreme workout. A good, nice looking tie will give you that edge that you need to impress someone you meet in a Business Gathering. Nice shoes say a lot about a man, why carry bad ones?

Stop wasting your money on things that will never give you a positive return. It doesn’t mean that you have to cut them out completely, but you should certainly consider on reducing them. It’s not only that you will get more in return, but you will also develop a habit that not many people have, yet they complain about why they can’t get more money.

Time

Time is in direct proportion to money. For example, right now I’m blogging and I know that with time, my skills for blogging will improve and that will allow me to have an income, even when I’m sleeping. So in my world, I’m investing my time effectively. The way you spent for time will dictate the amount of money you get. I mentioned the books earlier, if you buy a book, you must obviously read it, there is a good investment for your time. Another good investment for your time and one which I recommend dearly is writing and keeping a journal. It may take you 30 minutes to 1 hour a day, but it’s one of the most productive things I’ve ever experienced. Looking back to your thinking and writing is learning from yourself, and that habit is one that very few people have.

In my post “As good as the best”, I wrote about the importance of dedicating those 3-4 hours to your growth and that, under no circumstances, you should stop doing it. Take my word for it, investing time on yourself is the biggest investment of them all. Remember “You can get more money, but you can’t get more time”. The wiser your time is spent, the more money you will get. Dedicate time to exercising. Dedicate time to reading the book and the news. Dedicate time to writing. Dedicate time to cultivate gratitude in your life. Dedicate time to learn about how to save time. For example, I’m currently using “Flock” which I learned from the Thirty Day Challenge (all because Chikito pressured me to it! ) and it has been fantastic so far. When mastered, it can save me about an hour between blogging, reading the news, listening to music, uploading pictures and so on. And the best of all is that it doesn’t freeze my computer. I would go as far to say that learning how to save money time pushes you to think more on your own, there is another good result!

Learning to invest your time correctly is without a doubt the most effective thing you can do. Time used wisely can create money. Time used wisely can get you a better social life. Time used wisely can get you more quality girlfriends. Time used wisely can get you in peace with yourself. Time used wisely can give you more energy and motivate you through the day.

I don’t recommend any particular time management program, I think that’s nonsense. You already know what you should be doing, you just don’t do it. Simply grab a journal and write down the things you must do for the day and began working on them. Once you’re done with one task, cross it and move to the next one. Developing this habit will help you to just dive yourself at things without thinking too much (which is a waste of time) and therefore less fear, less confusion, less over-thinking occurs. If you need remainders for certain things, buy a calendar in B&N, I have a Garfield Calendar (I just love Garfield ) hanging on my wall across my computer chair, it’s hard not to see it. If you can’t afford a calendar, put a reminder alarm in your phone. If you don’t have a cellphone, go to Google Calendar, set up an account and it will give you a buzz whenever you have to do something. There is really no excuse!

A Final Note

Make a commitment to yourself starting today. This morning when I woke up really early because I wanted to attend a seminar, I realize how looking forward to things the next day motivates you to wake up earlier and radiates you with energy. This is obvious, but now grab that principle and apply in the following way – what if you had something new to face everyday as you wake up? If everyday of your life had an exciting moment to it, wouldn’t you wake up with energy and determination to yourself?

You know how you’re on time for a meeting with your boss or your girlfriend, you know that feeling of urgency? Adopt that feeling to improving your life. Don’t miss a day of dates with yourself. Don’t miss one. Remember that YOU! are the most important person in this world. Not your boss, not your girlfriend, YOU! If you don’t miss an appointment with your boss, why would you miss one with yourself?

To quote Eminem – The opportunity is passing, will you capture it or will you let it go?

The world is yours for the take.

Words: Daniel Becerra. You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook