I’ve always been fascinated by how top performers and thinkers allocate their resources.
It’s not just about their work ethic or that they read a lot (though they often do).
There’s a deliberate strategy behind what they invest in, especially when it comes to personal growth.
As a writer who once worked in digital communications, I’ve seen countless professionals hesitate to spend money on anything that doesn’t promise an immediate return.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that high-level thinkers play the long game. They know the value of spending on things that nurture their minds, expand their networks, and ultimately set them up for more success in the future—even if the payoff isn’t instant.
Below, I’m sharing eight areas that I’ve noticed high-level thinkers consistently invest in, backed by psychological insights and a few personal anecdotes.
1) Education and courses
We’ve all heard the cliché “never stop learning.” But people who truly embody this principle go beyond picking up a new skill on YouTube.
They spend money on structured education—sometimes formal, sometimes not. It might be a master’s program, an online certification, or a weekend workshop with a reputable instructor.
I remember signing up for a digital marketing course back when I was transitioning out of my previous corporate job.
The upfront cost was quite steep. Friends questioned whether it was “worth it” since I already had years of experience.
But that course not only sharpened my knowledge in a rapidly changing field but also gave me the confidence to pivot into a whole new career path.
Research suggests that continuous, intentional learning is closely linked to better problem-solving skills and adaptability—two traits crucial for high-level thinking.
2) Mentorship and coaching
“Show me a successful individual, and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life,” writes John C. Maxwell.
While not everyone has a mentor on speed dial, high-level thinkers seek this guidance wherever they can find it.
Sometimes it’s a formal coaching relationship or a paid mentorship program. Other times it’s hiring a career coach for a series of sessions.
I used to think mentorship was something you stumbled upon organically, like a wise old sage who spots you in the break room and decides to take you under their wing.
It can happen, sure.
But high-level thinkers don’t wait around for that.
They budget for professional insight, whether it’s a career coach who can help them break through plateaus or a public speaking coach who helps them ace a big presentation.
These relationships give them access to perspectives they don’t already have.
Over time, they make better decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and gain confidence in charting their own paths.
3) Networking opportunities
This is one I used to resist. As a single mom, the idea of forking out cash for networking events, industry conferences, or mastermind groups seemed frivolous.
But psychology tells us we’re social creatures; we learn better and progress faster in supportive communities.
In fact, studies have found that building strong professional networks was correlated with higher income levels and greater career satisfaction.
It’s not just about who you know in a shallow sense. It’s about being around others who challenge your ideas, give you feedback, and inspire you to level up.
High level thinkers understand that a single conference or a mastermind retreat can spark a critical insight or introduce them to a key contact that accelerates their growth. They see “networking” not as a dirty word, but as a powerful form of personal investment.
4) Curated reading lists
We all know reading is beneficial, but high-level thinkers take it a step further.
They don’t just buy any book off the shelf; they spend time and money curating reading lists that align with their goals.
Sometimes, it’s bestsellers by thought leaders like Sheryl Sandberg or Robert Greene.
Other times, it’s niche publications in their field.
I’ll admit I have a small stack of carefully chosen books on my nightstand.
My routine?
I like to journal over a cup of tea about what I’m reading, and then share insights with my son to spark his curiosity.
There’s something profound about investing in books that genuinely shift your perspective.
Seth Godin once said, “The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing.” I’d argue that spending a little money on books is far less costly than not accessing the wisdom those books contain.
5) Personal health and wellness
This might sound like common sense, but plenty of people ignore their physical and mental health to save a few bucks.
High-level thinkers often do the opposite. Whether it’s a gym membership, therapy sessions, regular health check-ups, or mindfulness retreats, they recognize that wellness underpins everything else.
After my divorce, I found myself stressed and exhausted, juggling a demanding job and single parenthood.
Eventually, I decided to spend on therapy. At first, it felt like a huge financial strain.
But in retrospect, it’s one of the best investments I ever made.
In therapy, I learned coping strategies that improved my mental clarity, which in turn made me more patient with my son, more focused at work, and more confident in my new pursuits.
Dale Carnegie famously taught that our emotional well-being directly impacts our effectiveness in work and relationships.
Science backs this up: a study in BMC Public Health highlights the connection between emotional health and productivity.
When you’re not weighed down by stress or anxiety, you have more mental space for creativity and growth.
6) Skills-based workshops
Have you ever found yourself thinking, “I wish I could just do this one thing better”?
High-level thinkers often fix that gap by attending specialized workshops—think communication seminars, leadership intensives, advanced coding boot camps, or design sprints.
There’s a reason Stephen Covey wrote so passionately about sharpening the saw. Continual skill refinement is key to staying competitive and relevant, no matter your field.
Once, I spent an entire weekend (and more money than I care to admit) at a writing retreat.
On paper, it looked excessive.
But I walked out with a renewed sense of direction for my work, new techniques for storytelling, and valuable contacts I still collaborate with today.
Workshops are great because they offer focused immersion. Instead of trying to learn bits and pieces from free YouTube videos, you receive hands-on feedback and real-time practice.
7) Quality workspace or environment
In my previous job, I worked out of a bustling open-plan office that often felt like a beehive.
When I became a freelancer, I realized how vital a conducive workspace was to my focus and creativity.
High-level thinkers are willing to pay for the right environment—maybe it’s a dedicated home office setup with ergonomic furniture, a membership at a quiet co-working space, or even something as simple as a comfortable chair and adequate lighting.
Being in London, I sometimes splurge on day passes to beautiful co-working venues when I need a change of scenery.
It’s amazing how a calm, well-lit spot with good amenities can supercharge my productivity.
A psychologically healthy workspace is linked to better job performance, according to research.
High-level thinkers value that payoff.
8) Experiences that broaden perspective
Last but definitely not least: experiences. Travel, cultural events, creative classes—anything that expands the mind and pushes them to see the world differently.
There’s nothing quite like stepping out of your usual routine to gain fresh insights and discover new inspirations.
For me, it might be a weekend trip to the countryside with my son or visiting an art exhibition that explores a theme far outside my daily work.
These experiences often fuel my writing in unexpected ways.
That’s the thing: personal investment isn’t just about immediate, tangible ROI; it’s about feeding your curiosity and creative spark so you can return to your life and work energized.
High-level thinkers spend on experiences because they know ideas rarely appear out of thin air.
They show up when you expose yourself to novelty and wonder.
Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis emphasize in their book The Squiggly Career that “the best breakthroughs often come from trying new things, meeting new people, and seeking experiences outside your day-to-day routine.” I couldn’t agree more.
Wrapping up
Here at DM News, we love digging into how the most driven individuals approach personal growth.
And if there’s one lesson I keep returning to, it’s that real progress demands more than just sweat equity.
Sometimes, you have to put money behind the areas that matter—your skills, your network, your health, your workspace, and your mindset.
That might mean signing up for a short course, booking a flight to a place you’ve never been, or hiring a specialist to guide you.
For some people, it could be therapy or advanced leadership training. The specifics will vary, but the underlying principle remains: investing in yourself is rarely a waste.
If you’re on the fence about putting your hard-earned cash into any of these areas, I encourage you to think about your long-term goals.
Is there a skill you want to sharpen or a perspective you want to gain? Is there a health habit you’ve been putting off?
If so, maybe it’s time to take the leap. You might be surprised at how quickly these investments pay off—not just monetarily, but in personal fulfillment, resilience, and a sense of direction.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. But from everything I’ve observed in my own journey and from the high-level thinkers I’ve studied, spending on personal investment is often what separates a hopeful dream from a life well-lived.
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