As professional football (NFL) continues towards the Super Bowl in early February, I wanted to highlight what one of the great NFL coaches discussed in a press conference as they were approaching this year’s season.
During a press conference in August, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin discussed pushing his athletes beyond their comfort zone.
I think we all benefit from that, regardless of the profession. We’ve got to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, and the urgency or the heightened awareness associated with those uncomfortable feelings. We thoughtfully get people outside their area of expertise or their area of comfort. Thoughtfully, because it’s a good simulator of growth.
What coach Tomlin described in his press conference is something that all of us would benefit from learning. I believe it is the essence of what we do for our clients.
Tomlin discussed how his job is training and coaching his players to get them comfortable with being uncomfortable. This is especially useful for big-time athletes when they are playing against equally qualified and gifted athletes in an extremely physical confrontation.
Being in front of a hundred thousand fans screaming against you while on the road certainly would make all of us uncomfortable.
However, many things in life would benefit us if we were able to be comfortable while in an uncomfortable setting.
We have spoken through numerous posts about the need for investors to stay disciplined and patient, especially when they own shares of the great companies in the U.S. and around the world known (also known as stocks). Due to short-term market volatility, continuing to hold a diversified portfolio of global stocks makes even the most seasoned investor uncomfortable especially when the market has one of its bear markets. Bear markets are defined as a loss of 20% from a previous level.
But being uncomfortable and remaining patient and disciplined is necessary in order to achieve the portfolio returns needed by investors to ensure they can have life-sustaining income or to create a legacy for their heirs. These returns have historically been available to investors who are able to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Learning how to be comfortable while being uncomfortable, is something that most of us have to learn how to do. Most of us cannot even tolerate being uncomfortable for short amounts of time. As human beings we strive to feel free from doubt, stress and tension. The challenge with staying comfortable is that growth cannot be achieved either in our personal growth or an investment portfolio.
This path is much harder to maintain; however, the results are much greater. This path is achieved when an individual exerts a great deal of courage to confront their fears, and remains committed to a financial plan. The strength occurs when one is determined to work through the “uncomfortable” stage and show commitment to endure the journey which will ultimately lead to growth. This is what we help our clients due in order to achieve the growth of their long-term portfolios.
Let us know if we can help you achieve being comfortable while being uncomfortable as you pursue your investment needs and wants.
Hope you have a great week!
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