The Power of Sitting Still

Now that I'm approaching 40, I've been reflecting on my life over the past 15 years and all the lessons I've learned. One thing that has always intrigued me is our human nature to always look for something better. Have you noticed that no matter how happy we are in a job (or anything), it never seems to be enough and we keep looking for more?

I know I've been guilty of this. In my twenties, I'd be in a job and no matter how well it went, I couldn't help but think how I'd make more money or get better benefits somewhere else. I'd look around at my friends and it always looked like they were better paid or had a better position in a better company. So, a few times I did leave for what I though were better 'conditions', but at the end of the day, it was never the case, and actually, things were sometimes worse.

Here's the deal when it comes to moving jobs – you have to start at the bottom again. Your vacation starts at the lowest amount, as does your wage and standing within the company. You have to spend at least another 6 months getting used to the office and learning all the politics. It's actually a real pain. I've been doing contract work the past 4 years – by choice, as I wanted to travel – but I've been through this so many times, it's getting a bit tiring.

You have to wonder, would you be doing better if you'd just stayed where you are?

I know people who've been at companies for periods longer than twenty years and while they may not always have the highest wage, their benefits at at the top as is their vacation. Plus, they know their jobs really well and they have a certain standing within the company. If they get laid off, they'll get huge packages since they've been with the company for so long.

It's not just with jobs – this concept holds true for investing, as well. How well do people do that buy and sell their investments constantly … always chasing the hottest stock or the highest return? They're constantly trying to beat the market but it never really works out, does it? How many people actually beat the market when they'd be better off pursuing a buy-and-hold strategy?

This actually happened to me. I sold an equity mutual fund and thought I was buying something better. Unfortunately, my new investment tanked and looking back, I would have done better just by holding onto the equity fund.

I think both examples illustrate the power of sitting still.

More often than not, you'll do better in life by just staying where you are. I'm not saying you shouldn't aspire to be better or seek better opportunities in life, but it's important to carefully consider your options to make sure you'll actually be farther ahead.

Here are a few things to think about:

• The grass is NOT always greener on the other side.
• Comparing yourself to others is futile.
• It's really hard to beat the market.  Really hard.
• Find the good in what you already have.
• More isn't always better. Sometimes, having just enough is good enough.

As I head into my 40's, I can already feel myself slowing down. I think I will be sitting where I am for a while.

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