When people talk about investing, they almost always refer to tangible assets like stocks and real estate. But there is another critical asset class that gets all too little investment attention: intangible assets. 

This week explored some of the most attractive intangible assets we can invest in. 

The checklist

1. Skills and track record.
   • Recognize that the types of skills and track record valued by the world are changing. 
   • Define your purpose in life to give clear direction to these investments. 
2. Heath and inspiration.
   • These are the asset classes required to put your skills and track record to good use. 
   • Find your inspiring purpose and gradually eliminate inspiration drains from your life. 
3. Reputation and goodwill.
   • Building a good reputation requires more than just good skills and track record. 
   • The best way to build up goodwill is to develop genuine goodwill towards others.
4. Life efficiency.
   • Consumerism and self sabotage are examples of poor or even negative life efficiency. 
   • The art of living lightly can open up some extremely valuable space in your life. 

From an investment standpoint, intangible assets are just like tangible assets.

All of them require some work without any immediate reward. Instead, you can expect exponentially growing returns in the long term. 

So, simply apply the same mindset as you would with any other investment and make intangible assets part of your balanced investment portfolio.