We have a unique opportunity in front of us today – to choose between being day traders or venture capitalists. However, the opportunity comes with a twist (doesn’t every opportunity?). Few realize that the opportunity exists and fewer know that the default option is day trading.
Day trading requires us to engage with all the goings on in the day. The nature of the day dictates our mood. We like good weather and good news and generally struggle to find motivation otherwise. We invest in the now and avoid crazy swings. It is the default option and works just fine.
However, a few realize that there’s an alternative. When we play venture capitalist, we look at things differently. Yes, we’re engaged with today but, really, we’re focused on building for a few years from now. We’re on the lookout for opportunities to invest in ideas and people who might building something of value. They key word is might, of course. There are no guarantees. Unlike in day trading, there’s more risk and more volatility. But, there’s also tremendous excitement about possibilities.
So, today, we get to choose if we want to live this day and week as a day trader or venture capitalist. One feels safe and the other feels full of tension, discomfort and risk.
Then again, sometimes avoiding risk is the greatest risk of them all.
A Learning a Day 
This is an amazingly timely post, as I am considering if I should I stay in my current position or move to a new one. All the opportunities before me are the same. Stable positions doing what I’ve been doing for a decade. Or I could remain in my current position, which is risky, and gain new skills that could position me better. Definitely work musing over.
So glad about the timeliness. :) We are all in it together.
Love the analogy. Been stretching to move to a VC mindset. The long game is where it is at.
True story!