Do You Believe?

There are times in life where we are tested.  Things seem extremely difficult or even impossible.  Perhaps you are losing and feel incapable of changing course.  The cards seem stacked against you. The future looks bleak.

This seems like an uncheerful way to start a new year, doesn’t it?  Not so fast.  There is a positive message here.  It boils down to belief.  Yes, simple as it sounds…when people believe, amazing things can happen.  

For individuals, belief is often tied to confidence.  Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right.”  Such a simple and powerful statement like this tells us that self-belief is a pre-requisite for achievement and success.

For companies and organizations, belief is often tied to culture.  Creating culture with a positive and motivating blueprint is the intent, but it’s tough to accomplish.  There are no universal templates, but when companies and organizations build strong cultures, they can move mountains because the people within believe they can.

For investing, individuals and families need to build belief in their financial plan.  To truly believe in a financial plan it must be dynamic and durable.  To be dynamic, the plan must adapt to change because life and finances are full of change.   To be durable, the plan must be built on solid information and rigorous analysis to withstand bear markets and myriad other challenges.  

For those who have seen the Apple TV+ show Ted Lasso, you will know that the lead character is a coach.  Ironically, he is an American football coach tasked with turning around an English soccer club.  Not surprisingly, it’s a tough slog for the “fish out of water” coach.  So, rather than leaning into his weaknesses (not knowing much about soccer), he focuses on the more intangible and powerful concept of belief.   He tapes a simple sign with the word “BELIEVE” painted on it above the doorway in the team’s clubhouse.  Without spoiling it for those who have not yet seen the show, believing in themselves individually and collectively ultimately pays dividends for the coaches, players, and management of the club.

How you get to the point of “believe” is not formulaic.  It’s often not easy either.  But when you do get there, you will know it because believing is one of the most powerful forces in the world.  

Cheers to believing in 2025 and beyond!!!