Humans are very good at adapting to our changing world. Adaptation is a change in behavior that allows us to be better suited for our current environment.
Anticipation of change is often more powerful than the long-term effect of the change itself. When we imagine a terrible event, such as being paralyzed, we imagine an awful life – no way we can be happy. But studies show many paraplegics are happy, for they adapt to their “new normal” and find purpose in their life.
On the flip side, imagining we win the lottery can produce strong feelings of euphoria. Yet, after a period of time, lottery winners are found to be just as happy (or unhappy) as they were before. They adapt to their “new normal”, and life goes on.
Adapting to Economic Changes
This same adaptation happens with companies. Since companies are run by humans, it is natural to expect they will adapt to their changing environments.
Recently, we have been bombarded with news about trade wars, tariffs, speculation on taxes etc… These all represent changes in the economy, and a manic-depressive stock market often responds to these news reports.
Changes in policy may pose a challenge for companies in the short term, but no policy or change will force companies to lose money in perpetuity. They will adapt.
Choosing Your Perspective
Adaptation is not instantaneous. It can be dependent on the individual, institution and/or situation. There will often be a learning curve and some difficulty when adapting to new lifestyles, rules and circumstances.
For speculators – those who focus on price movements over short periods of time – change and surprise are the enemies. There isn’t much help I can provide this group other than to advise them to stop speculation and start investing.
For investors – those who invest in companies for the long term – it is not so much a concern. There may be some short-term pain as companies adjust and adapt, but those adjustments may be for the ultimate profit of the company (and shareholder).
The need to adapt and change is one reason why I believe patience is one of the greatest virtues an investor can develop.
Joanna Amberger
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
3 Financial Group
1888 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite C312
Honolulu, HI 96815
808.791.2925
www.3FinancialGroup.com
(c) 2019 The Behavioral Finance Network. Used with permission.
