Whether it's with stocks, money, or anything else in life, I’ve made a conscious effort to avoid greed.
Why? Because I’ve come to believe that greed quietly erodes peace of mind. It pushes us to chase more, even when we already have enough. And in that endless chase, we lose sight of what truly matters—contentment and gratitude.
In the Stock Market: Small Profits, Big Perspective
When I invest in stocks, I always try to remind myself: a profit is a profit even if it's small.
Yes, there are times when I look back and think, "I sold too early." I’ve seen stocks climb higher after I exited. I've calculated what I could have made if I had held on just a bit longer. That kind of thinking is natural, especially in a market that often rewards risk-takers.
But then I pause and remind myself:
“Would I rather be slightly early… or too late?”
“Did I walk away with more than I started?”
“Am I letting a hypothetical gain make me resent a real one?”
And most importantly: “How many people would love to have what I already have?”
The truth is, small wins add up. They build confidence. And they prevent reckless behavior, especially when there are people being swept up in hype or fear.
Gratitude Over Greed
Beyond numbers on a screen, there’s a deeper reason I try to avoid greed: gratitude.
I remind myself that having money to invest at all is a privilege. It means:
-
I have more than I need to survive.
-
I have access to markets to buy stocks and ETFs.
-
I have time, freedom, and choices.
There are people who work just as hard or harder but are still fighting for basic stability. Some are stuck in survival mode, living paycheck to paycheck. Others are burdened by debt, emergencies, or responsibilities that keep them from even thinking about investing.
So when I make a profit, no matter how small, I try to see it through the lens of gratitude, not regret. It’s not just money. It's a symbol of opportunity, and that’s not something I want to take for granted.
Greed Is a Trap In Markets and in Life
Greed can be subtle. It starts with a whisper: "Hold a little longer. Just a bit more. Don’t settle."
But left unchecked, that whisper becomes a shout. It leads to risky decisions, sleepless nights, and emotional investing. We might chase the top, ignore our plans, or freeze when it’s time to act. Greed doesn’t just risk our portfolios, it puts our peace of mind on the line.
In life, the same pattern applies. The constant push for more—more money, more success, more recognition can leave us feeling hollow, even when we're winning. There's no finish line if we're always sprinting for the next thing.
My Approach Today: Balance, Not Blind Ambition
These days, I try to approach investing (and life) with a mindset of balance. I aim for growth, but not at the cost of my peace. I celebrate progress, but I don’t obsess over perfection.
When I take a profit, I choose gratitude. When I miss out on more, I choose perspective. When others rush in with FOMO, I choose patience.
It’s not always easy. But in the long run, I believe this mindset will serve me far better than any quick gain ever could.
Final Thought
We live in a world that constantly tells us to chase more. But sometimes, what I try to do is simply pause and remind myself:
“I have enough. I did well. I’m grateful.”
Because in that moment, we're not just protecting our capital, we're protecting your mindset. And that, in my view, is the real wealth.
Comments