Over-Projecting Your Future Investor Self

Remember when you were a kid, certain you’d be an astronaut or a rockstar? Our adult investing decisions can be just as misguided when we try to predict our future selves. Consider these scenarios:

  1. The Overconfident Growth Chaser: You load up on volatile growth stocks, certain you’ll always have the stomach for wild price swings.
  2. The Cautious Dividend Seeker: You choose a high-yield dividend strategy, convinced you’ll panic during market downturns.

But just as our career aspirations evolved, so too will our investing temperament. We often can’t predict what we’ll do next month, let alone in 5 or 10 years.

Remember Tyson’s wisdom: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Our carefully laid plans often crumble when faced with real market turbulence.

Instead of predicting your future self, focus on:

  1. Building an adaptable strategy
  2. Regularly reassessing your goals and emotions
  3. Continuous education for informed real-time decisions

Prepare for flexibility, not rigidity, in your investment approach. Your future self will thank you.

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