While most of us understand, theoretically, the principle of ROI (Return on Investment), there are fewer who actually explore its potential over the long-term.
Are we playing a long or short game in our investments? What kind of return might we expect?
In our click-culture, which provides instantaneous feedback (think “Insta”gram), it feels counter-intuitive to embrace delayed results. We’ve been trained to have our questions and problems given quick answers and solutions. Our economy rewards those playing the game of speed. If you can serve customers faster and better, then you’ll end up on top.
I can’t say I entirely dislike this arrangement. Technology has certainly made our lives convenient and comfortable. Much like you, I too am voting with my wallet, selecting the most efficient companies who are playing the game well.
But does this quick turn-around of the “internet age” put me at disadvantage? Does it create unrealistic expectations?
I’ve discovered that the rhythm of life, as lived in our mortal bodies, has a distinct flow and pace. It’s often uncertain whether our efforts will turn into our desired results. And if we’re honest, we know there’s a constant tension lingering in the air of whether things will work out as we hope they will.
Despite our well drafted and even necessary plans, there is an inherent risk involved when we decide to partner with the Universe, investing into something beyond the boundaries of what we’ve known thus far.
It’s wise to make our calculations before taking the leap, and to estimate the possible return on our investment. But at some point we do jump, into the unknown, into that new possibility. And then we work and we wait. There is no shortcut from risk to reward. There is no same day shipping.
Being a long-term investor means being someone who takes discerning, courageous steps off the ledge into a space they haven’t yet occupied, doing the work without certainty of how things will turn out, but sticking around to experience the unknown potential and possibilities.
