Maybe I am inspired by the new year. Or maybe I am inspired by the new promotion at work and beginning of other career opportunities. Or maybe I am inspired by the desire to build a steady foundation for my future. Or maybe I am inspired by the simple fact that I am in my early twenties.

No matter what reasoning may be, I am inspired to learn, grow, and invest in myself. Personal development is at the top of my list, and not everyone takes enough time to do so. If I have learned anything in the last 22 years, the lesson would be to take care of myself and how to make that a priority.

Here's a couple of the things I have done to invest in myself, my health, and my future.

1. Spend time alone.

In the past I have always wanted to be a people pleaser. When I took the Strengths Finder, one of my top qualities was WOO, standing for "winning others over." I have always desired to put others before myself, but doing so put my internal passions on the back burner. I had to break away and spend time alone to discover my hopes, dreams, and goals. I learned to stand firmer in my beliefs, and needed to clear the clutter of others' perceptions to get in touch with my own.

2. Travel.

Go somewhere. Anywhere. Maybe you will be flying across seas, or taking a road trip a couple states away. Anytime I have adventured to a new location, I not only experience a new place, but I find something new about me. Traveling, to me, is that refreshing feeling when you dive into the pool for the first time and you feel the cool rush of the water take over your body. That kind of renewal is something we all need to experience, and I prefer that feeling on an ongoing basis to eliminate the negative, and bring back the positive. New places, new mindset, new beginnings.

3. Develop a budget.

Bills, bills, bills. They come at you hard, and they come at you fast. I definitely wish I had a financial adviser giving me advice each step of the way. But of course, I do not, so I am learning about budgeting all by myself. If you are lucky to have parents who take care of your expenses each step of the way, make sure you learn from them while you can. For me, it seems like every day bills just get more expensive, so adapting is a constant struggle. Save while you can, and do not take any money hoarding guidance for granted.

4. Discover your goals.

Do you want to have kids? How soon would you like to have kids? When is your ideal time to get married? Where do you want to be in your careers then? What is your five year plan? What is your ten year plan? I have learned to constantly make a list of the path that I want to embark on. Personally, I want to focus on my career to gain stability and experience. But I have other priorities as well, and each piece is a part of a larger puzzle. I just know that I want to follow my own goals at the pace I set.

5. Volunteer.

You may know your goals, but you are inevitably hit road blocks along the way. You are going to stumble and fall flat on your face. You are going to be down, and have to pick yourself up. Therefore, it is crucial to know what makes you happy. What are those qualities in yourself that you are grateful for? What undoubtedly makes you laugh even with tears streaming down your face? What hits that special light within your heart that gives you hope? You have to find that happiness and hold onto that joy, because that is what will carry you on throughout life.

6. Network.

Find your tribe. Discover the people who will support you on your path to happiness, no matter where you are going. Reach out for help, and be the first person who is willing help someone else. Take risks on people, and learn how to work with different types of personalities. You can learn something from every person you meet, now is your time to build that support group.

7. Ignite healthy habits.

Sleep regularly. Eat a balanced diet. Exercise and keep your body moving. Learn coping mechanisms. Maintain healthy hygiene. Meditate. Practice safety regimens. Being healthy habits now, so you are on the right path in the future. You are existing in the time where you can focus on self care, so establish that habit. You can only help others if you are healthy, so make your health a priority.

8. Find your happiness.

You are going to be hitting numerous speed bumps and road blocks along the way. You will take a few stumbles and fall flat on your face. Times will come where you have to get up on your own, and you have to discover that inner happiness during those moments. So what brings that light out of your heart in your darkest moments? What makes you laugh so hard that you snort? What provides you with that motivation to conquer your deepest fears? Whatever that happiness is, find that joy and stick with it.

This is your time, use it to invest in you.