1. ChatGPT

Okay let's be real - if you aren't already using some kind of AI, you may be living under a rock.

I have tried a ton of AI assistants and ChatGPT is the best for the price - especially if you are mostly mobile. For only $14 a month, I save literally HOURS of my life.

Trivial tasks such as writing an email or brainstorming 20 different variations of an idea can now be condensed into 5 seconds. This is literally gold and it's certainly changed my life.

If you aren't already using an AI assistant, please go do yourself a favor and learn how to get good at prompting. It's not very difficult. Just paint the chat bot a clear image of what you want. The thing to remember is that AI is only as good at delivering as you are at asking.

If you are already using an AI assistant, great job. You're now already ahead of 90% of the world.

2. My Camera: Sony A7S III

When I was in university, I had a friend named Jeffrey who pretty much paid for his entire college degree with his photography business. When I saw what he was doing, I was amazed. I had a realization that I, too, could turn my photography hobby into a business.

So I went to the camera store and purchased the Sony A7S III (a spectacular camera). At the time, this $4k+ camera was a very expensive purchase. However, now I think this is one of my favorite purchases because I was able to learn how to build a business through it (truly an invaluable experience).

This camera also took me all around the world and on the most incredible adventures. Co-creating with others connected me with some of my closest friends. And I will have my photos to look back on for the rest of my life.

In the end, I was able to make back my initial investment in a few months and I now have memories and skills that will last a lifetime.

That to me is worthy investment.

3. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

This book changed my life. I actually first received this book around the time I was applying for university ( I was around 16). I remember this because my Rice University interviewer asked me what my favorite book was and I responded with this - but I had actually only read to Chapter 4.

He was ecstatic to hear my answer and began shifting the entire interview to my thoughts on the book. I really didn't know what the book was about. The interview went south from there.

When I began working my first post-grad job at Google, I re-visited the book and it completely changed the way that I interact with people. Now, I understand why everyone recommends it.

My favorite chapters are:

• Principle 2: Give honest and sincere appreciation
• Principle 2: Smile
• Principle 8: Try honestly to see things from the other person’s point of view
• Principle 1: Begin with praise and honest appreciation

Communication is the backbone for success in everything (work, relationship, life-goals) because no matter what, you will always have to deal with people. This book has so many tips & tricks on how to become a better communicator. Without a doubt, one of the most valuable things I own - and it was only $14.

Now, I make it routine to re-read the book every year.  Each time, it hits even harder and my brain gets a little bigger.

4. Amex Platinum Credit Card

I may or may not have gotten this card just for the flowers..

Until last year, I was unsure if I should get this card due to the $595 yearly fee. After getting it, I could not be more happy when I pull it out to swipe on useless purchases.

If you are a frequent traveler, the card pays for itself.

I fly somewhere almost every week and I utilize the card's "Clear" and "Priority Pass" perks all the time. The Priority Pass membership really does it for me! Now, airport are less sufferable. Plus, the 80k sign-up points can be redeemed for a flight well worth over $595.

These little perks are enough to make me happy but there just something about pulling out a metallic card with cute flowers on it that is unmatched.

I really dig this card and it's become one of my favorite purchases of the decade.

5. Eyelash Extensions

This sounds really silly and a little superficial but this is a BS-free blog.

Eyelash extensions really did it for me!

For those who are unfamiliar, eyelash extensions are essentially individually-glued pieces of artificial hair that gets attached to every natural eyelash. The process takes about 1.5 hours and like fingernails, they need to be re-done every 2 weeks.

Now, this might seem like an absurd thing to consider for "purchases that changed my life" but I really do believe this procedure made a huge difference in my physical appearance which therefore boosted my confidence.

There's nothing better than feeling good in your own skin and feeling beautiful. I know all you ladies know what I'm talkin' about. And for the men, how do you know you feel immediately after a fresh haircut? Invincible, yeah?

Well, that's how I feel when I get my lashes done.

This is a reminder that it's okay to splurge on the things that make you feel good about yourself because those small things add up to build a confident, radiant person who shows up in the world 110% every day.

Reflection: Assess for Yourself

What about you? What are your top 5 purchases that had an impactful difference on your life?

In what ways did they change your life? What does that say about what you value? How can you focus more on those values and get more out of life?

Thanks for reading all!

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