“Invest for the long haul. Don’t get too greedy, and don’t get too scared.” – Shelby M.C. Davis.
Shelby M.C. Davis’s statement, “Invest for the long haul. Don’t get too greedy, and don’t get too scared,” captures the critical ideas of successful long-term investing.
Invest for the long haul: Davis recommends prolonging the investment horizon and not trying to benefit from short-term market timing. Typically, long-term investors are more likely to enjoy the compound effect of growth and the upward direction of financial markets over a prolonged period.
Don’t get too greedy: Greed involves gambling to seek better performance by making profits fast or grabbing higher-than-average returns. This includes overinvesting in speculative assets and chasing bubbles. Davis cautions against this behavior, as people may lose much money.
Don’t get too scared: Fear is a panicky sentiment that drives decisions leading to unforeseen consequences. One example is selling in a panic. Investors tend to sell off their investments during a market downturn, often at slashed prices. Davis encourages keeping emotions intact during volatile times and strictly adhering to long-term strategies in the face of crises or rising uncertainties in financial markets.
At the very least, this catchphrase underscores a balanced approach to investing: patience, discipline, and emotional control are essential to thriving financially in the long run.