I Don't Feel Like It!

It's just after 5 a.m. and my alarm clock rings. I don't feel like it. It's dark and cold. My brain immediately serves me a list of reasons why it's perfectly fine to stay in bed. I don't listen. Rise and shine, my morning workout awaits. 

It’s moments like these that stimulate growth in certain brain regions. The anterior cingulate cortex, or ACC for short, is particularly affected. This part plays an important role in endurance and willpower. It also prevents the age-related decline in cognitive performance. The bigger this brain region, the better. We make it grow by taking on challenges and pushing through them. 

As an investor, you are constantly faced with difficult situations. You might prefer to ignore them, but discipline, mindfulness and inner determination push past those hurdles. I’ve noticed that experienced investors are better equipped to deal with any changes in their lives than untrained people. They perceive the world as transformed more quickly and adapt without much hesitation or mental resistance. 

Discipline in the reporting season

At Gutmann, we carry responsibility  for the client assets entrusted to us. Every position in the asset management portfolios and Gutmann funds is closely monitored. We are currently in the midst of earnings reporting season, assessing results from the past quarter and calendar year of listed companies.

Every three months, the Gutmann equity team is hit by a wave of results and reports. It's not just a case of listening, but also understanding, interpreting, informing colleagues and finally documenting the results. We have digital support for this. Specifically, we use the "Internal Research Notes" from FactSet, a publicly traded US financial data and software company. This allows everyone on the team access up-to-date information at all times. Whether it’s quarterly results, management meetings or expert discussions. 

Some things simply need to get done, whether we feel like it or not. Who jumps out of bed everyday bursting with energy, eager to rush off to work? But self-imposed discipline and the process that goes along with it help us to get the necessary things done, even on a tough day. Because it's worth it, honoring the commitment to our clients and their assets.