Lessons from Paradise: What a 2-week Island Escape Taught Me about Life and Investing

A few years ago, during the year-end holiday season, I found myself on an idyllic island, far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The eco-resort we stayed at offered a simple existence—no electricity for half the day, no Wi-Fi (except for one tiny spot on the island), no air conditioning, and no unnecessary consumption. It was an intentional retreat into nature, a break from the conveniences that often distract us from being truly present.

The island offered beauty in abundance. Beyond the white sandy beach and clear blue waters lay a vibrant coral reef teeming with life. We spent our days marveling at the diversity of marine life, collecting beautiful shells, and waking up to the soothing sounds of waves and rain. For those two weeks, life slowed down to the rhythm of nature, and we loved it.

The Power of Presence and Abundance

I had initially planned to use this time to read, write, and think deeply about my future. I brought along three books, my laptop, and a list of personal goals. But in the end, only one of those books was read, my laptop stayed shut, and big plans for the future were left unmade. Why? Because the present moment was too beautiful to be distracted.

One of the most profound takeaways from this experience was the importance of recognizing the abundance around us. Nature, in its infinite variety, reminds us that we are provided with everything we need and so much more. 

Each shell on the beach, each fish in the sea, and each coral in the reef exists with intention and purpose. Practicing an abundant mindset—seeing and appreciating the fullness of life around us—is a habit worth cultivating until it becomes second nature.

Instead of focusing on consuming more, perhaps it’s time to take better care of what we already have. Whether it’s our possessions or Mother Nature, nurturing what’s in our hands can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life.

Lessons for the Stock Investor

Heading off to an island with no connectivity for two weeks required some forward planning, especially as a stock investor. I didn’t want to spend my vacation worrying about my investment portfolio. So, before leaving, I ensured that my trading rules were set up to protect my portfolio while I was away.

Some of my more volatile positions got sold while I was off-grid, but there were no regrets. Following the rules is what matters most. More often than not, it’s when we fail to stick to our own rules that regret creeps in. I’m happy to report that the bulk of my portfolio remained intact, safe, and even growing after my vacation.

This experience reaffirmed a critical principle I emphasize in my coaching program: setting consistent habits and trading rules is essential for long-term success. These are the same rules I apply to my own investments. Warren Buffett’s famous quote comes to mind: “Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked.” This is true not only in life but in investing as well.

Interestingly, when the tide goes out, it also reveals a larger part of the seabed. That’s the perfect time to go shell hunting. Similarly, in the stock market, when prices drop (low tide), it’s often a great opportunity to hunt for bargains.

The key is to make sure your portfolio is always protected—never “be swimming naked”—so you’re ready to seize opportunities when they arise.

Overcoming Fears: A Lesson from the Ocean

Despite my time on the island, I’m not much of a swimmer. The vastness of the ocean has always seemed intimidating. Yet technology changed my perspective. With the help of a full-face snorkel mask and a life vest, I discovered a whole new world beneath the waves. These two simple tools gave me the confidence to enjoy hours of snorkelling, uncovering the beauty of the underwater world.

The experience reminded me of how many people feel about investing. Just as I once found the ocean too scary to explore, many find the stock market intimidating. But with the right tools and guidance, the process can become enjoyable and even life-changing. In investing, finance coaching can act as your snorkel mask and life vest—providing you with the knowledge and confidence to explore a whole new world of opportunities.

Final Reflections

My time on the island was a gift that allowed me to reconnect with nature, appreciate the abundance around me, and reflect on the parallels between life and investing. Whether it’s about protecting your portfolio or learning to appreciate the present moment, the lessons from this retreat continue to shape my mindset.

As we head into another year, let’s aim to embrace simplicity, recognize abundance, and equip ourselves with the tools we need to navigate both life and the markets with confidence. After all, the beauty of life—and investing—lies not in doing more, but in being present and intentional with what we have.

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