Are you a Fox and Grapes investor
Yes, it’s Aesop. Here’s a story.
Simon wanted to improve the investment return on his investments. That’s perfectly natural. I don’t know any investor who purposely doesn’t care about the return. Everyone does. Over time, Simon’s investments didn’t meet expectations. In fact, by any fair analysis, Simon underperformed. That is more common than you may think. Simon ended up being sanguine with the result. Simon accepted the return, after all, what else could he do? His desire to invest was driven by greed, I don’t mean Gordon Gekko greed, but the desire for more or better. Yet the outcomes over time didn’t meet what he was originally sold. It’s not that Simon lost any of his original capital, but he did lose out.
The investments turn sour.
Simon rather than admitting disappointment, instead, he accepts his lot and readjusts his expectations, and tells himself the story, well at least I’ve got my money back and I’ve beaten inflation.
This is a story that happens time after time after time.
The fox who longed for grapes, beholds with pain
The tempting clusters were too high to gain;
Grieved in his heart he forced a careless smile,
And cried, ‘They’re sharp and hardly worth my while.’
Perhaps if Simon was curious, interested, focused more on his future, he could have ensured the grapes were succulent.
Be Curious
Be Interested
Be Inquisitive
It’s your money.