Many invest with what I call a "sunny" attitude. Like a surfer dude, they have ridden a beautiful curl and are basking in the sunshine at the end of the run. It is truly an exhilarating feeling.
But like many experiences in life, the thrill of victory is often followed by the agony of defeat. Many will hit this wall and stop investing just when the most important lessons of investing begin to emerge.
Don't run. Learn, adjust and grow. Stay the course, as the next step you yearn for is only just around the corner.
Not all sunny days are followed by more sunny days. Often the inevitable, rainy days follows those glorious achievements.
At this point, you should have positioned your portfolio to withstand the coming gale. Owning strong companies that have excellent management, a great strategy, a strong competitive position, robust financials and a unique offering should be the core of your holdings. You will likely experience tough times, but these holdings will serve you well during difficult times and bring you successfully to more sunny days.
Stay the course no matter how difficult. That intestinal fortitude will serve you well. The lessons learned will be infinitely more valuable to your investing success and serve you way beyond investing.
Be smart, be well-read, be aware and be successful.
"Face your fear, empty yourself, trust your own voice, let go of control, have faith in outcomes, connect with a larger purpose, derive meaning from the struggle."
-Jigoro Kano - Founder of Judo
