“Old Happy: I am not strong enough to face my fear.

New Happy: I’ve faced my fear many times before; I can do it again. Avoiding it is easier in the short-term but creates pain in the long-term. Facing it is harder in the short-term but creates ease in the long-term.

We all would prefer to avoid the upsetting or painful things in life. But in trying to protect ourselves through avoidance, we often end up paradoxically increasing our suffering. The next time you find yourself avoiding something that needs to be faced, try this: think about how facing it will help you to be the person you aspire to be.

For example:

• If you’re avoiding a difficult conversation with a loved one, tell yourself: “I’m a person who shows up to work on my relationships, even when it’s hard.”
• If you’re avoiding responsibility, tell yourself: “I’m a person who follows through on my commitments.”

This shift in focus—from the present pain to the future gain—can help you tap into your deep well of courage. Even when it seems scary, please remember: you can face this thing.”

In the context of investing:

• If you’re avoiding investing in the market because you’re afraid of losing money, tell yourself: “I’m an investor who seeks opportunities and understands that long-term growth comes from calculated risks.”
• If you’re fearful when the market is going down, remind yourself: “I’ve faced market downturns before and emerged stronger; I can do it again by staying focused on my long-term goals.”
• If you’re postponing a review of your investment portfolio, tell yourself: “I’m proactive about managing my finances, and this review is essential for my future security.”
• If you’re hesitating to seek advice from a financial professional, tell yourself: “I’m committed to making informed decisions and leveraging expert guidance to enhance my investment strategy.”

Taking action is often the bridge between uncertainty and success. As investors, it’s crucial to embody the principle that action reduces fear—not just in managing money, but in every aspect of life.

Action Inspires Confidence

Facing fears and taking action are integral to personal and financial growth. Each challenge faced is an opportunity to demonstrate commitment, build trust in your decision-making, and reinforce your resilience. Remember, the discomfort of facing a fear is temporary, but the growth achieved and the relief of overcoming it last much longer. So, next time you find yourself hesitating, lean into the discomfort, take action, and move one step closer to the investor and person you aspire to be.