The key to successful investments often lies not just in financial returns, but in the relationships we build. The saying “invest in those who invest in you” carries deep wisdom – when we invest in others who likewise invest their time, effort and care into us, that mutual investment fosters far more than monetary gains. It builds trust, understanding and an alignment towards shared goals that propels all parties forwards. Whether in business partnerships, mentorship, friendships or romantic relationships, prioritizing two-way investment pays dividends. Yet precisely what constitutes “investment” depends much on the context. An entrepreneur may invest in a mentor through respect, effort to learn and willingness to take risks implementing that guidance. The mentor invests through time given advising, connections offered and belief demonstrated in that entrepreneur’s potential. Similarly in relationships, investment comes through care, commitment, compromise and truly seeing the needs of the other person. When both parties invest in this holistic manner into the growth of the other and strength of the bond between them, the emergent gains go beyond what either could achieve alone. So choose wisely who you invest in – notice who also invests in you. Commit where you perceive potential for mutual returns over time, not just personal pay off today. Dare to believe in others’ highest possibilities and invest into them accordingly. For when all boldly invest into the journeys of those who likewise invest into theirs, together we unleash each other’s greatest thriving.
Invest in mentors who invest guidance and wisdom
The guidance of a trusted mentor can transform journeys towards success or fulfillment – their wisdom and networks invest us with insights years ahead and confidence that propels us to take riskier moves than we’d dare alone. Yet not all who claim mentorship truly invest in their mentees’ growth. Discern wisely whether their counsel uplifts and empowers or diminishes spirit. Do they see your highest possibilities or undermine your dreams? The most powerful mentors invest through sharing connections, envisioning the path not yet seen and guiding mentees towards ever greater goals they set for themselves. They have walked further down roads their mentees now travel and can help avoid future pitfalls. In return, mentees must invest through implementing that guidance, showing gratitude for time given and paying it forward later when they themselves attain new heights and perspectives. When both invest fully, not only skillsets but mindsets transform through inspiration emerging in both directions.
Invest in partners who grow your capabilities
In entrepreneurship and business, few scale great heights alone – we rise further through partnerships where complementary capabilities enable shared pursuits none could reach individually. Powerful partnerships emerge through investing wholeheartedly into each other’s growth and success. Before contracts or transactions ever commence, that foundation of care propels the relationship’s potential. Partners invested in each others best interests collaborate to solve challenges, creatively transcend obstacles and show grace when plans inevitably demand flexibility. They understand that long term relationships drive far greater gains than short term transactions with those merely out for themselves. So choose partners who actively strengthen your weaknesses as you empower their strengths. Invest through being the champion they need most in that season of growth. In turn, receive their investment through trusting the ways they fill our gaps. Then together build toward shared visions through combining your complementary currencies.
Invest in friends who champion your becoming
Friendships that stand the tests of time are built on a foundation of mutual investment – caring deeply for the other’s journey and growth even with no expectation they’ll ever fully return the investment. Yet amazingly, when both friends see the highest unfolding future version of the other and make choices to keep empowering that becoming, reciprocal investment naturally emerges. True friends don’t just enjoy surface level fun when times are easy; they invest through showing up during the messy middle struggles when breakthroughs are still choose to believe in your bold dreams even when you’ve lost touch with believing them yourself. They make time and energy to listen, console, advise and sit with you in the dark nights of the soul on journeys where you must walk alone. Such soul friends are rare treasures, but you attract them by giving likewise to those already in your life. Deepen investment through honesty in vulnerability, generosity towards their needs and grace as both of you change. For such mutual investment builds bonds able to weather all storms.
Whether in mentorship, business partnerships or heartfelt friendships, choose to invest fully into those poised to likewise invest into your growth. Build toward mutual returns through care not transactions. And together unlock far greater thriving than either could alone.