While there is no downplaying the human cost, economic and financial disruption of the global pandemic we are in, we can choose to view this crisis from a different perspective. In the face of a crisis people often find they gain greater clarity about what is important to them – and when it comes to our finances, this can help us avoid letting a few red numbers on a page poison our mood and cloud our vision.
In times like these a great question we like to ask our clients is “What has really changed in your life?”
For some people who have lost their job or are in a business or profession that has been severely impacted by the crisis, plenty has changed.
But for most people the only thing that has changed (other than the lack of mobility) are the numbers appearing at the bottom of their current portfolio statements. So why is it that we let a transitory position, one that we know will not matter in 1, 3, or 5 years’ time destroy our current disposition?
At Calibre we firmly believe that Disposition Trumps Position, so we try to help our clients be more “disposition oriented”. In times like these, whilst its of course important to talk about financial tactics and strategies we also like to discuss attitude, discipline, habits of mind and the perspectives that help our clients weather market storms. By neglecting to observe and correct our disposition we can easily let a number on a page rob us of our present joy.
Ultimately, we are all defined by our disposition: How did we respond to something bad?
Did we make the best of the situation? Did we strengthen what remained? Did we shift our focus toward what mattered most? Our wealth or status, on the other hand, should never define us unless we allow it to. It might sound a bit strange coming from a financial adviser but when we ask clients about their “wealth,” we choose to ask questions like these:
- Did you wake up today with your health, surrounded by people you love?
- Are you still challenged by the work you do?
- Do you have plans and dreams and experiences still posted on the drawing board?
If they answer “yes” to all three questions, they are in an enviable position in life simply because they have the proper disposition.
If you are able to view your portfolio numbers from the proper perspective, you can cruise through each day (and portfolio statement) with assurance that the one thing that matters inside us cannot be taken or shaken by forces outside.
Disposition trumps position. And a settled mind always trumps unsettled markets.
Next steps
To find out more about how any of these measures may be of assistance in your individual circumstances, please contact Gordon Thoms or David Conte at Calibre Private Wealth Advisers on ph. (03) 9824 2777 or email us here.
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