36 quick thoughts to end 2023

Throughout the year, I keep a small notebook to record quotes, thoughts, and conversations that stick with me. As a result, I compiled an extensive list, and here are 36 of my favorites.

I gather them from various sources when I’m on the move, so I might not remember where they came from. Feel free to ask away in the comments if there’s anything you don’t understand and you’d like to discuss!    

#1

What resonates with you might not be what’s best for you.

Even if it challenges your beliefs, be open to the guidance from those who are two steps ahead.

#2

Most people fail to reach their potential not because of mistakes.

Most people fail because they are not committed.

#3

There’s zero benefit in dwelling on how luck shapes a person’s success.

Instead, focus on controllable factors that can increase the probability of your success.

#4

As we progress in life, how we perceive wealth changes based on who we compare ourselves to.

Define your ‘enough’ to avoid living your life solely pursuing wealth.

#5

If you don’t eat food that nourishes your body, sooner or later you’ll have to eat your medicine as food.

#6

Fast growth and quick wins are sexy in business and investing.

Sustainable growth and compounding, however, are key to long-term outperformance.

#7

Just as food affects your body, the information you consume shapes your thoughts.

#8

Results are driven by actions. Actions are driven by attitude. If you want results, start with changing your attitude.

#9

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

#10

Arguing logic with the stubborn is futile; they seek confirmation and biases, not rationale.

#11

There are some things in life that cannot be delayed for the sake of compounding wealth. If you miss it, it’ll never return.

#12

People who have an unhealthy dose of pride with the stocks they pick, or the predictions they make about the economy, are the ones who’ll be the most susceptible to financial pitfalls.

#13

Things are seldom as good or as bad as it seems.

#14

It’s difficult to fail if you love the work you do.

#15

Sometimes the people who live the most conservatively are the people who are taking on the biggest risks.

#16

Youth is wasted on the young, wealth is wasted on the old.

#17

You can never completely outsource your finance matters to others.

#18 

Optimistic people will see opportunity in suffering, and pessimistic people will see suffering in opportunity.

#19

If you pursue any endeavors with half heartedness, your mind will become like a magnet for fear and doubts. 

When you encounter difficulties, you’ll come up with various reasons to tell yourself why you shouldn’t do it.

#20 

The fastest way to end your life is to retire and do nothing.

#21

The biggest wall separating high achievers from the rest is excuses.

#22

Knowledge isn’t power. It’s a potential power.

Only when knowledge is applied, it becomes power.

#23

The size of your thoughts will have a big influence on the size of your achievement.

Never self-deprecate. Never accept others putting you down.

#24

For a list of book recommendations, check out the bibliography section of books written by your favorite authors.

#25

You seldom regret what you did. You often regret what you didn’t do.

#26

More is not always better when setting goals. Reduce, reduce, reduce.

#27

Advice from people who are older aren’t laws.

They’re like clothes. If it doesn’t fit you, try others.

#28

It’s inevitable to avoid pain in life.

But suffering is optional.

#29

Often the things you have to pay for would turn out cheaper than the stuff that’s marketed as “free”.

#30

The most valuable things in life don’t come with price tags. But it is often neglected because money didn’t change hands.

#31

The desire for certainty in life is going to cost you, and yet, you may end up realizing that there’s no guarantee in this world.

#32

Ordinary returns over a long time period will give you an extraordinary result.

#33

Your job is great if you enjoy 50% of what you do at work and are fairly compensated.

#34

No book can substitute the experience of navigating a stock market downturn.  The best way to learn is to start.

#35

It’s not enough that you believe in investing for the long term. This idea must also be embraced by your spouse, family, and friends.

#36

Complexity gives you a false blanket of accuracy and control. It is usually the person who is able to explain things simply who knows what they are talking about.

These thoughts, collected overtime, have helped me on a journey of introspection and growth. I hope they inspire you as much as they have inspired me.

May 2024 be a year of growth, opportunity, and moments that bring us joy and fulfillment.

Happy New Year! 

Thomas

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