In my post about the Cognitive Matrix , I tried to “quantify” things in life. Since everything has value, there must be gains and losses. Based on this, I developed a theory to help me make decisions: Life Investment Theory.

Origins

I came up with this method a long time ago and tried to apply it. Back then, I acted like a machine, executing “what I should do” or “the right thing.” It was incredibly painful. In my 2025 Annual Review , I mentioned “burning out” after that experience and finally started prioritizing my own feelings.

The first version only assigned value to objective assets—money, social status, power, etc. Absolute execution based on those metrics led to the burnout I mentioned. Later, I added the most important variable: subjective experience (emotions, preferences, etc.).

I learned this from the definition of love: “Love yourself first; let the overflowing energy nourish others.” The prerequisite for action is having enough energy, meaning your own feelings must be factored into the equation. This version feels ready to share.

The Theory

The concept is simple: look at everything through an investment lens. Calculate the cost, expected return, and expected loss.

First, Cost. This includes objective costs plus your subjective costs:

• Money
• Time
• Emotional energy
• Etc.

Since outcomes aren’t guaranteed, we should separate returns and losses.

These are just examples. Everything is a variable. Anything you find valuable after running it through your “Cognitive Matrix” can be a gain or a loss.

Note that both success and failure have both returns and losses. If you can’t think of any, don’t force it—thinking itself consumes energy. This system is meant to help you, not cause “internal friction” (overthinking). If you can’t see the value, it might mean your perspective hasn’t reached that level yet, or it’s just not important right now. Here are some potential angles:

• Potential Losses of Success
  • Opportunity cost (other possibilities)
  • Maintenance cost
• Hidden Gains of Failure
  • Cognitive premium (lessons learned)
  • Stress testing

I categorize these into short-term and long-term decisions.

Short-term Decisions

These are small daily choices. Ideally, they should be decided entirely by mood. However, for those in a “low energy” state, even tiny changes can feel like a disaster. In this case, weigh your current energy levels heavily.

Put simply: If the subjective energy drain is too high, the investment is a net loss, no matter how big the expected return.

Long-term Decisions

These are decisions sustained over time—for example, “maintaining” a friendship. I use quotes because if a social connection requires “maintenance,” it might not be a healthy relationship. Theoretically, healthy relationships are mutually nourishing.

But reality isn’t always perfect. Most things require some level of forced maintenance. My approach here is to implement a circuit breaker—a bottom line. Once it’s crossed, I’m out.

This circuit breaker depends on your situation. If you’re starting out, use the law as a baseline (illegal is a hard red line), then human rights. A relationship without respect is abnormal and unsustainable.

Reflections

Quantifying value like this reminds me slightly of Machiavellianism. While it might not seem that way on the surface, evaluating everything’s value to achieve a goal could evolve into a “utility-first” mindset.

But I don’t think that’s necessarily wrong. Truth is often relative to the context. For someone in a low-energy state where just surviving is a daily challenge, calling them “too Machiavellian” seems unfair.

You have to fill your own tank before you have the capacity to love others healthily.

Other

I saw a great quote in a video that fits this theme perfectly:

Sometimes doing things requires a price. When the price is low enough, it’s just a casual gesture. When you can afford it, it’s called an attempt. When you can’t afford it, getting it right is called courage; getting it wrong is called recklessness.

Source: https://youtu.be/LvbGmCF07e4