How to win at Investing (or anything in life)

How we behave in key situations determine the quality of outcomes in life, including our trades and investments. Have borrowed wisdom from Bhagwad Gita & also from one of my favourite poem “IF” by master of words Rudyard Kipling. Have humbly tried to join it with behavioural finance, hope it makes sense and guides you well :)

If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs

During excesses of euphoria & misery, bouts of greed & fear, people behave irrationally. You should keep your emotions in check and try to think rationally.

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue

Listen to people, there opinions and narratives. But always be individualistic, don’t loose your self in crowd. Stick to your values and understanding of any given situation. Ignore rest.

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you

There would be times, when how you think or act would be doubted by many. Be confident even if you need to go contrary to popular opinions and narratives. Don’t let other people doubts ever undermine your trust in self. Have courage in your own self.

If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim

Just thinking won’t bring in results. Do not overthink such that too much analysis leads to paralysis. Think sufficiently and then always act decisively. Take the best action possible at that point of time.

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting

Make time your friend. Do not be in a rush to act. Have patience for results of your actions to show up. Good things in life take time, follow the process with discipline, results would come.

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster;

And treat those two impostors just the same.

Doing is in our hands, outcome never is. In short term, random turn of events (luck)can dictate outcome. You may feel euphoric or sad, confident or dejected. Try to stay calm in either outcome. In long run the system or process wins, always. Be equanimox in all situations.

If you can do these, Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it!