When I was 29, I paid out of pocket for a summer school course, a diploma in psychology at Middlesex University. I have always been intrigued by the mind and what makes people tick.

When I resumed work, the MD asked me where I had gone on such a long holiday. I explained that I had no holiday, and had rather taken a month long course in psychology. The course was strenuous to attend, taking me almost 4 hours to and fro, 2 buses, changing twice on the London Underground and a 10 minute walk. I had visibly lost weight on my return, earning me the nickname ‘slimy’ though shortlived. The MD requested I see him at his office during lunch to discuss further.

Off I went, with what was left of my chubby legs at lunch time, anxious and not knowing what to expect. The MD told me his plans on setting up a new team focussed on behaviour in individuals and groups. The solutions would border on performance improvement and team building. That was how I was drafted into a new team and sent on a 2 week training in South Africa.

Today, I can’t count how many team building sessions and performance management systems I have facilitated and designed.

In 2008, gathered my savings, bought a plane ticket to the US to attend the SHRM conference even though my MD at the time refused to fund it. I tell anyone who would listen, that was one investment that changed the trajectory of my HR career.

Or is it project management certification in 2011? I persuaded my husband that we both do it shortly after we got married. Today, I have project managed numerous projects, federal and state governments including world bank funded projects.

Or was it when I was on holiday in 2016, I convinced my husband to change our return ticket to attend a 2 day certificate coaching course in London. As soon as I got to Nigeria, the HRD for a bank asked if my firm could deliver nationwide coaching training to all their managers.

I could go on and on.

As for my doctorate, just 2 years in and it has more than paid for itself. The quality of assignments I have done during and since I received my award has been truly rewarding.

Believe me when I say, an investment in knowledge definitely earns the best returns. I wish there was another way to explain this phenomenon.

Some of these investments depleted my bank account, it hurt.

Every single penny I have spent in developing knowledge and skills has more than paid for itself.

Saving is good, buying property is grand, investing in stocks and mutual funds are wise but you see investing in training yourself? It is by far the greatest of all. No amount of investment in capital will serve you more than the investment you make in yourself.

How do I mean? Spend time and yes money developing expertise, gaining a skill, attending a workshop, gaining a professional qualification. As long as it is directed to a true north, it will more than pay for itself.

If you are still contemplating, just do it.

Open Secret. Very few will act on it.Activate to view larger image,