As we begin the year 2008, here are seven ideas for investing in yourself:

Think about what matters to you. Make time for them. What do you want out of life? Career, family, friends, health, adventure, travel, learning, helping others, saving our fragile planet – you name it.  Do an inventory of where your time goes. Refocus your time and energy to reflect what you value.

Keep learning. Explore. Discover. Attend events, workshops, and classes that are pragmatic (leadership, strategy, marketing, web skills), stimulating (foreign languages, comedy improv) and fun and rejuvenating(cooking, rock-climbing, yoga). Learn by doing and exploring!

Meet new people. Grow your network. Invest in your relationships. Get out of your comfort zone – meet people who are different from you!  Join new networks or groups. Get to know people from other spheres of expertise. Build genuine relationships. Share your wisdom and learn from the wisdom of others. Don’t forget to make time for the people who matter most to you!

Keep honing your craft. Build your expertise.What do you need to perform at the next level? Each industry has its own “language” and its own dynamics – master yours! Pursue challenges through “stretch” assignments. Build your own circle of trusted advisors. Learn from people who have done what you want to accomplish. And mentor others!

Stay healthy. Get fit. Make time for rest. One of our most valuable treasures in life is having good health, so invest in your health and fitness. Eat healthy. Make time for exercise, and make your exercise fun - whether it’s taking walks, jump rope to rock `n roll, or taking a salsa dancing class. Don't forget to get enough sleep!

Surround yourself with people who believe in you. Be with people who want to see you succeed. Know them and make time for them. This circle will be a source of confidence, encouragement, moral support, positive energy, and inspiration in the coming year. Avoid people with negative energy and negative attitude. And to keep the flow of good will circulating, be there to give encouragement and confidence to others!

Feed your soul. What fuels your passion? If it’s being in touch with nature, make time to get out there. Head for the forests, mountains, fields, or seas. If you love literature, make time for a good book or a great poem. Whether it’s singing in a choir, being part of a community of faith, teaching a child how to read, or planting a tree - know what nourishes your soul. And in 2008, just do it!

The Global Fund for Women is the largest grantmaking foundation in the world that advances international women's human rights. We work in partnership with women-led groups addressing some of the most critical social issues of our time, including: Building Peace & Ending Gender-Based Violence; Advancing Health and Sexual & Reproductive Rights; Expanding Civic & Political Participation; Ensuring Economic & Environmental Justice; Increasing Access to Education; and Fostering Social Change Philanthropy. Since its inception in 1987, the Global Fund has granted $62 million to 3,500 women’s groups in 167 countries.