Investing Through Discomfort

On the wall at my gym there is a disclaimer sign, warning members to “cease activity and consult a physician if you experience any pain, discomfort, shortness of breath, light headedness or nausea.” In addition to those symptoms, I also get hot and sweaty. I can only assume I am allergic to working out and I should quit any and all activities related to exercise immediately!

Now, I understand the gym has that sign to reduce their liability, but if I actually followed those directives, my workouts would be cut drastically short, interrupted by constant doctor visits, and I would never accomplish anything. I go to the gym to stay in shape, not to be comfortable. In fact, it’s the very act of pushing the body out of its comfort zone, stretching its limits, that triggers the adaptations leading to better health and fitness. Muhammad Ali once said, “I don’t count my sit ups. I only start counting sit ups when it starts hurting because they’re the only ones that matter.” When your muscles start burning and your heart starts pounding, that’s when progress is made.

Sometimes investing can be the same way. It’s fairly easy and comfortable to invest when everything is on the upswing. But those times don’t last forever and things eventually get bumpy and turbulent, making staying invested for the long-term quite difficult. This is when investors need YOU more than ever. Right now, it’s feeling a bit uncomfortable for many people.

Your job as an advisor and personal financial trainer is to keep your clients hanging in there. This is when the “reps” really count as they are buying the great companies of the world on sale. Empower them to stay the course when they feel the temporary sting of the downturns because you both recognize the need for long term financial health over short term comfort. Just like a run or a weightlifting session, the discomfort may continue for a while, but keep pushing your clients forward, their financial health is worth it. And for the moment, enjoy the sale!

Chad Hufford is a SmartVestor Pro, Financial Planner with Veritas Wealth Management.