Sometimes choosing the simple act that we know will work is the most frightening choice we can make, so instead we go with a more convoluted, round-about, less effective, perhaps even detrimental option. Because it doesn’t frighten us.
This is the reason ridiculous diet fads will never die; the reason illiquid, complex, “part of the club” sorts of investments persist; the reason we stay in jobs we hate; the reason we under-save and over-gamble; and the reason we keep spoiling our kids.
We’re frightened by the simple act that works because that act puts us on the hook, where there are no excuses, no places to hide, and no one to do the work but ourselves.
But it’s never too late to lean into the fear and choose the simple act. And keep choosing it.
Meaningful Returns 