As I sit here writing, my legs ache, and I stare at this blank page with more trepidation than usual.
We’ll get back to the aching legs in a second. But the trepidation? That, I’ll explain now. I feel a bit like a hypocrite because today’s topic is investment. Not investment of money, but the investment of time, relationships, and energy. And the subject gives me pause because I’m no expert – merely an inexperienced practitioner learning the ropes as I try to grow, build, and invest wisely.
But, from one earnest investor to another: How are your “life” investments going? I’m sometimes succeeding, often failing, and always learning. Here’s what I’ve learned.
1. Investing is a long game.
I’ve spent eight years building a film production company and nearly 20 years in film. Only now am I seeing the traction I dreamt of at 11 when I first decided I wanted to “make movies.” Last year, I completed my first feature film (at 34). This year, that film has led to multiple new projects. Our team at Distant Moon has grown to a team of between 17 and 25 depending on how you count full-time vs freelance team members. And at 35, I feel like we’re just getting started, but every door opening now is the result of long nights, stressful days, and decades of behind-the-scenes work. Unless you’re one of the rare “overnight successes” (which I doubt exist), investments take decades to pay off.
2. Investing is often deceptively frustrating.
Whether it’s money, raising kids, or building something meaningful, my wife, Yetta, and I have learned that painful moments, valleys of despair, and “Will this even work?” doubts are far more common than mountaintop experiences. But, wow – when those mountaintop moments come, they’re incredible.
3. Most people discuss the success of their investments, not the costs.
Investing costs – money, time, energy. This is obvious financially (you have to sacrifice capital to buy stocks or property), but it’s even more true with people and businesses. Last week, Distant Moon had a mountaintop moment at the American Advertising Federation Awards in DC. The Moment swept its categories – two golds, a silver, and two best-of-classes. From the outside, it looked like pure celebration. What the crowd didn’t see? Weeks of intense deadlines, late nights, weekend work, strained relationships, and even medical emergencies from the stress. Every investment has a cost. The key question: Does the return outweigh it?For Distant Moon, we ask: Does this create cultural impact? Deepen understanding of humanity? Help people flourish?
4. Investing reshapes your priorities.
Now, about the aching legs. Last May, I hit a breaking point. I was gaining weight, unhappy with how I looked and felt, and making poor health choices. But work was demanding – I couldn’t fit in consistent exercise. Then, after hearing my family repeatedly say, “We’re worried you won’t make it to 45,” I had a wake-up call. Around the same time, I kept seeing ads for a local CrossFit gym. “What even is CrossFit?” I thought. “Well, my buff friend Andrew does it, so…” Cue the voice in my head: “You’ll never stick with it. You’re too busy.”
I shut that voice up. Instead of “making time,” I put CrossFit where nothing else existed – 5 a.m. Let me tell you, waking up at 4:30 (four days a week) is brutal. But you know what? No one else is working, emailing, or vying for my time at 5 a.m. And as I invested that hour, my schedule and priorities naturally rearranged. (Also, some workouts destroy your legs – Friday’s was a mile run, 50 burpees, 75 squats, and 50 box step-ups. Way harder than it sounds.)
My point? Investing is exhausting. But the return is a longer, healthier, fuller life. And people stop telling you you’ll die at 45.
🪦
So where does this meandering train of thought leave us?
I feel trepidation writing this because I worry it’ll sound like either:
– A “humblebrag” about my life.
– An Eeyore-like complaint that life is soooo hard.
I hope it’s neither. My goal is to show both realities: Life is hard and joy-filled at the same time. There are valleys and mountaintops. Investing in meaningful things takes time, sacrifice, and struggle – but it’s worth it.
In many ways, I still feel like I’m just beginning. But for the first time, I’m seeing real fruit from the investments Distant Moon, Yetta, and I have been making for decades. And I hope you’re seeing the same – watching your investments in work, relationships, and time flourish in ways you never imagined.
Here’s to human flourishing.
– Ian
P.S. here are some pictures of the awards gala in DC last week. Only some of the team was able to make it out, but it was a blast!
