economics, investing, philosophy, strategy and life skills
I’m looking to take my personal development seriously and connect with people who have knowledge, experience or expertise they’d be willing to share.
I’m in my mid-20s, based in the UK, and at a stage where I want to be much more intentional about what I learn, how I think and the direction I take my life. I’m not looking for overnight success, motivational speeches or shortcuts. I want to understand how things actually work and develop skills that will be useful for the rest of my life.
The main areas I want to learn about are:
1. Economics, finance and investing
How economies function, including inflation, interest rates, central banks, markets and economic cycles.
Fundamental and macroeconomic analysis.
Swing trading stocks and ETFs, starting with the mechanics, risk management, backtesting and paper trading before risking real money.
How experienced investors analyse companies, identify opportunities and manage uncertainty.
2. Business, career and wealth creation
How businesses operate, make decisions and improve their processes.
Business analysis, operations, data analysis and other skills that could help me progress professionally.
How to build financial stability, increase my earning potential and eventually create more freedom over my time.
Commercial property, real estate investment and how deals are evaluated.
3. Philosophy, psychology and sociology
Nietzsche, classical philosophy and the development of philosophical ideas.
Human behaviour, social structures, power, incentives and the ways our environment influences us.
How to think critically, question assumptions and develop my own well-reasoned worldview.
Symbolism, mythology, alchemy and their historical and psychological interpretations.
4. African history, culture and heritage
African history, particularly Ghana and the wider West African region.
Traditional belief systems, symbolism, ancestry and how cultural practices developed.
Understanding African societies and history through credible sources rather than oversimplified internet narratives.
5. Practical life skills and personal development
Discipline, decision-making, communication and strategic thinking.
Building routines that are sustainable alongside full-time work.
Learning how to research independently, ask better questions and turn knowledge into practical ability.
What I’m looking for
I’d especially appreciate hearing from people who have studied or worked in these areas and are willing to share how they got started, what they wish they had known earlier, which resources they recommend and what mistakes beginners should avoid.
I’m also interested in finding mentors who might be willing to answer occasional questions, recommend a learning path or help me develop a skill over time. I understand that people are busy, so I’m not expecting anyone to take responsibility for my progress. I’m prepared to put in the work myself.
I’m happy to start with books, courses, projects, exercises or conversations. I value honest feedback and practical experience over hype.
If you have expertise in any of these areas, what would you recommend I study first, and what would you do differently if you were starting again in your 20s?
Thank you to anyone willing to share their experience or point me in the right direction.
I don’t want to sit and say “I know some of these enough” because that’d be a lie and that’s why I’m being broad with this as I’ve looked into bits of all of this but I haven’t been able to make myself stick or elevate it and I want to become someone who is doing all these things frequently.