The visual above captures a critical lesson for all of us: the market might seem “too high” today, but in the long term, that perspective can change dramatically.

How often have we heard, “The market is too high”? It’s a common sentiment when stocks are performing well. We hear this line every year. And it’s not going to be any different in the future. Many investors hesitate to invest during market highs, fearing a potential downturn. But the truth is, waiting for the “perfect” time to invest often results in missed opportunities.

If you had waited years ago because you thought the market was too high, you’d probably regret it today. Markets tend to grow over time, despite short-term volatility. As seen in the visual, what seems “too high” today could appear very different decades from now.

Therefore, time in the market is more important than timing the market. Predicting short-term highs and lows is nearly impossible. However, staying invested for the long haul allows you to benefit from the market’s upward trend over time.

Remember, investing isn’t about getting in at the perfect moment. It’s about staying the course, through ups and downs, and allowing the power of compounding to work its magic.

The key takeaway: don’t let short-term market highs keep you on the sidelines. Start now, stay invested, and let time be your ally. Decades from now, today’s market highs may just look like a small bump in a much larger upward trend.

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” This wisdom reminds us that waiting for the perfect moment often leads to missed opportunities.

Invest with patience, and you’ll realize the market was never too high to begin with.