Why does Naval state that 'exercise is the most important investment'?
Hello, I'm really glad to chat with you about this topic! Many of Naval's views are profoundly insightful, and his stance that "exercise is the most important investment" can be considered the cornerstone of his entire philosophy.
Why does he value "exercise" so highly, even above money and knowledge? Let me break it down in plain language so you can understand.
Why is "Exercise the Most Important Investment"?
Think about it. Many things we pursue in life – wealth, happiness, sense of achievement – what are they like? They're like all the "zeros" after a digit.
1,000,000,000
And your health is that crucial leading "1".
If that "1" falls, becoming a "0", then all those zeros trailing behind it lose their meaning. Without a healthy body, you can't enjoy vast wealth or experience great accomplishments, no matter how much you have. That's the most fundamental, simplest truth.
But Naval's thinking goes further. He argues exercise has several unbeatable advantages as an "investment":
1. Exercise is a "Physics Hack" for Boosting Your "Earning Ability"
Many people think exercise costs time and energy, distracting them from earning. Naval sees it exactly the opposite.
- Boosts Energy Levels: Haven't you experienced this? When you sleep poorly or feel unwell, you drag through the day feeling lethargic, your mind foggy. Forget creative work – even composing a simple email feels like a struggle. After regular exercise, you find yourself more energetic, focused, and naturally more productive.
- Optimizes Decision-Making: Naval believes the core of making money (especially creating wealth) is making high-quality, long-term decisions. Exercise significantly reduces stress and anxiety, clearing your mind. A clear mind is essential for making the right judgment during critical moments, free from emotional hijacking.
Simply put, the abundant energy and clear mind exercise provides are your sharpest weapons for conquering the workplace and creating wealth. They directly enhance your core competitiveness.
2. Exercise is Purchasing Time for You
We always say time is limited; everyone gets just 24 hours per day. But the quality of those 24 hours varies dramatically.
- Purchasing "High-Quality" Time: Someone who never exercises might spend 4-5 hours daily in a tired, inefficient state. Someone committed to exercise can transform that time into high-quality, high-energy hours. From this perspective, spending 1 hour exercising effectively buys you an extra 3-4 hours of productive, alert time each day. That's a net gain any way you calculate it.
- Purchasing "More" Time: This goes without saying. Good health means a longer lifespan and a longer period of healthy living. The time you invest in exercise ultimately pays you back by the year, giving you more time to experience life, be with family, and enjoy your wealth.
3. Exercise is a "Cheat Code" for Earned Happiness
Naval often says happiness is a skill you can choose. Exercise is the simplest, most direct physical switch to activate it.
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins and dopamine – those "happy hormones" that are natural antidepressants. Haven't you noticed? After a run or workout, even if physically tired, your mood feels unusually refreshed and light?
Unlike the fleeting pleasure from external stimuli like shopping or food, exercise provides a stable, internally generated sense of satisfaction. It helps you combat anxiety and low moods, raising your baseline level of happiness.
4. It's the Most Equitable (Fair), High-Certainty Investment
- Market Risk: Investing in stocks could see you lose everything; starting a business is fraught with risks. The returns on such investments are highly uncertain.
- Exercise's Return: As long as you consistently exercise, almost every drop of sweat reliably translates into better health, improved fitness, and a clearer mind. Its returns are immediate and long-lasting. It’s one of the rare things in the world where your input virtually guarantees a positive return on investment.
To Sum It Up
For Naval, "exercise is the most important investment" isn't a slogan; it's a carefully considered conclusion.
It’s not about becoming a fitness fanatic, but a reminder: Your health is the platform upon which you build all your life's goals. If this platform is unstable, everything built upon it – wealth, career, family – becomes precarious.
Therefore, think of setting aside one hour daily for exercise as paying the most crucial salary to your "Life CEO" (that's you). This salary will earn you stronger earning power, more high-quality time, more stable happiness, and a more certain future.