Investment vs. Waste of Money: How To Know The Difference

Whenever people talk about professional development, particularly when it comes to coaching and online courses, they have a hard time figuring out whether they are making an investment in their future or wasting money.

This question - investment vs. waste of money - isn't only limited to professional development. It comes up any time we purchase anything that isn't related to maintaining our basic needs.

That's because those purchases feel like luxury buys. You know the products and services will make your life easier or help you overcome a persistent problem, but solving those problems doesn't present the same need as making sure you have food, water, clothing, and shelter every day.  

Because professional development feels like a luxury good, you make your buying decision the same way you would with any other luxury purchase. 

When buying a watch, you think, "Apple or some cheaper?"  

When considering exercise equipment, you wonder, "is Peloton really worth it, or can I get by with free …