Do Not Hide Unwanted Things In The Fog

Things get lost in the fog.

The title is from Jordan Peterson. Rule 3: Do Not Hide Unwanted Things in the Fog Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life

Hiding things under fog leads to an impasse because if the problem is hidden from sight, one cannot solve it. On the other hand, if the problem is revealed, then something can be done about it. It may make people uncomfortable to talk about the problem, and there may be a lot of passing of blame and responsibilities of that problem. At times it would feel unjust, but nevertheless, it is necessary to voluntarily confront problems head-on, going through the short-term agony in order to come up with a peaceful long-term solution.

Problems can have a long history that spans years or decades. Many problems can go on unnoticed for generations. It takes courage to confront problems head-on. One should start small and solve small problems and in the process, gain competence to solve big problems.

By becoming conscious of our problems, we don’t have to hide them in the fog anymore. We can make a commitment to solving them. That’s why we have been given the gift of consciousness. Human beings have the choice to solve the problems that beset us if we decide to bring our conscious attention to bear on them.

So many investors find it easier to hide unwanted things in the fog. Why? It’s easier today.

There is so much pressure on your time, so many things to do, that searching for problems you don’t feel exists is too hard; too time-consuming and without any guarantee of success.

Nevertheless, you have a choice. We often comment that you need to be open-minded, curious, and courageous to ask better questions about how your money is managed.  If you don’t, you remain in the fog.  If you remain in the fog, you are relying on luck.

Here’s a way to start thinking about building a process to look after your money.