Focus on what you can control

When questions and uncertainty arise, leading to variable degrees of anxiety, a notion we recommend is focus your energy on those things you can control.  Markets go through periods of highs and lows.  By controlling your environment, macro-events won’t change but your circumstances will be less impacted and less stressful.  For example, when you experience a financial setback, consider delaying significant purchases, or perhaps cut back on non-essential expenses.  Conversely, and perhaps more importantly, during good times, consider increasing your savings and adding to your investments - grow your wealth.   

Focusing on what you can control improves your day-to-day life style, keeps your priorities in focus, and reduces your stress level.  I reread an article from Golf Magazine written several years ago.  It reinforces this concept and I thought it worth sharing.    

David Pelz, IU grad and lifelong golf instructor, wrote in 2014 about slow golf play, Golf Magazine[1],  He stated, “The funny thing is, all this slow play provides no benefit for the slow players.  I’ve found zero evidence that slow play improves scoring.  The only thing slow play does is curb enjoyment.”  He provided three tips to help golfers speed up play without rushing shots.  This was his take on focus your energy on things you can control; his tips won’t change a golfer’s ability, but the round will speed up and golf will be more fun.  As he said, “Isn’t that why we play?”

[1]The Need For Speed, May 2014 Golf.com / GOLF MAGAZINE