For many years in Investment Banking, I was nothing more than a spectator in the world of investing.

While I watched the world’s richest clients build their billion-dollar portfolios and transform their empires, I remained on the sidelines, paralysed by the fear of losing money.

Up until 2017, I had never clicked “Buy” to purchase any fund units through a Brokerage.

Why?

The answer was simple, but also very complex: fear.

I was terrified of market volatility and losing money I had worked so hard for.

(I also thought I wasn’t allowed, but that’s a story for a different Monday.)

I imagined some intimidating scenarios:

• Stupid
• Ignorant
• Shame
• Embarrassment

I look back and still think some of these fears remain.

I did make some really stupid mistakes.

But as time passed, these mistakes became learning lessons, fading into the background of my journey to building a financial life that works for me.

When I talk to my Banking peers about the fear, I no longer care about their hot trends and tips.

There’s a lesson in there.

Starting With Your First $1,000

It’s easy to read about making millions with investing (thanks, Social media).

It’s natural to dream about it.

It’s even common to start telling people that you’re an “Investor” to, well, sound cool.

But none of that compares to the simple, powerful act of just starting.

When we allow our fears to delay our actions, we miss out on real compounded growth.

The worst thing that happens when we invest in a globally diversified index fund is that we no longer see that money in our actual bank account.

But the best thing? Our money is finally working for us, until we really need to withdraw it.

So, how do you actually start? What’s the tactical plan for moving from aspiring investor, to investor?

Here are two steps that helped me.

Two Action Steps to Get Started Today

1. List Your Fears in Detail

Write down your specific fears and anxieties by investing your first $1,000. Next to each fear, write a logical way to resolve that fear.

Often, simply acknowledging you’re terrified can diminish its power over you.

For example: ”I’m afraid I’ll lose the $1,000 overnight” is reframed to: “For every dollar I see losing, I know I’m learning a lesson on resilience and staying calm, until markets pick back up again.”

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2. Set a 30-Day Challenge with Public Accountability

Commit to a small daily action related to your investing goal for the next 30 days. Share this commitment with a friend, family member, or even me (just hit reply).

Accountability in a safe space will motivate you and keep you on track.

For example: Joeri committed to start investing when I told him what I did at an Expat meetup. It changed his whole life in 90 days.

His projected pre-tax returns in 30 years: $1,529,366.70

(note: returns are never guaranteed, and investing comes with risks)

Joeri’s actual words:

The Path Forward

The path of a long-term investor is filled with behavioural challenges and frequent volatility.

But it also offers the potential for something very powerful. A chance to build generational wealth, change careers, and create a bigger impact on your community.

Why not you? Why not today?

You have the finances to start investing. And you don’t need to wait for the perfect market timing, or the silver-bullet fund or strategy.

The right time is always now, and the person to change your family’s life is you.

So, stop consuming more personal finance content about investing.

Stop dreaming about becoming a millionaire.

Stop planning to invest “one day”.

Just start.

Your future self will thank you.

If you’re interested in cutting through all the investing noise, come join +30 paid clients who’ve built 6- and 7-figure investment portfolios using my 5-Step Wealth Clarity Accelerator.

Prefer starting by implementing this yourself for free? Check out the free 72-hour investing blueprint I created, to guide you through the process step-by-step.

Good luck growing your wealth. I’m rooting for you.