There are ups and downs in investing. Stock markets crash, bubbles burst, and economies generally act much like the weather: millions of different predictions and only a few will have the ability to say “I told you so.” The ability to push through trying times and make good opportunities out of bad moments or markets is what truly separates the real investors from the ones who thought it sounded sexy and fun, but then realized it was hard. What determines your ability to see things through is your why. Your why is the reason you are investing: your ultimate goal. People don’t invest for money; they invest for reasons. Your why must be so powerful that it is stronger than boredom, stronger than bubbles, stronger than recessions, stronger than an entire economy in depression. Your why should make you constantly evaluate what you are doing, how you are doing it, and will force you to acknowledge your failures in order to become better. Do you know your why? I would say that a powerful enough why doesn’t need to be actively thought about because it is always there in your mind, ever present, helping shape and direct everything you do.

An investor I know has passed away. He starting coughing a little over a month ago and his funeral was last week. He died of lung cancer. He started the most powerful REI group in Denver, though I don’t believe it was “official” and he charged no dues. When he wasn’t teaching classes, he was trying to connect people and help them think about how all of the pieces of the investing puzzle could be assembled for success. He had one of the only mentorship programs I would have recommended. I never did ask him his why, but I am certain that it fueled him each day. Goodbye John. Your wit, advice, and desire to help others succeed will be missed.

What is your why?