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The stock market is an interesting phenomenon.

While many look at it as a measure of financial success or concern at any given time, it is more a measure of human emotion and reaction.

Good news, it goes up.

Bad news, it goes down.

Even just a rumor of one or the other is enough to bring on a spike or a dip.

But the reality is, even if the market goes down, you generally don’t lose money unless you choose to sell at that time. While the action matters, what may matter even more is the reaction.

This is true in other areas of life and business as well.

Business

If you operate your business like a day trader, you take on an enormous amount of risk. You may fly by the seat of your pants, always in search of the next big thing. You may make decisions without due diligence. You may start down the path of an idea without following through. You may win, in this case, by initially creating a massive following on social media or creating income. But you may also lose it quickly without a good, long-range perspective.

Building a solid business is like long-term investing. You realize there will be ups and downs. In fact, you prepare for them. You will also build a large following and generate income, but you will do so with a solid foundation of values and strategy. In this way, you will build, not just a following, but a loyal following. You will build, not just income, but sustainable income and profit.

Relationships

We have all known those who treat people like a hot stock tip. They will take an interest if they think you will provide a quick ROI of their time investment. And when you don’t, they will cut their losses and move on quickly. While you may have been there for them, they will not be there for you.

Solid, long-term relationships are built with intention. Commitment, daily interactions, good communications, thoughtful gestures, and regular investments of time and interest all work together to build a solid foundation. These daily deposits help build a relationship that can sustain the ups and downs of life.

Personal

While it is good to invest in business and rewarding to invest in relationship building, it is also important to invest in yourself.

Your day-trading self may dip in and out of good habits, never really gaining traction on your personal goals. Or you may go all in on the latest extreme fad, only to fall off the wagon in short order.

Those who reach personal goals are those who take the long-haul approach. They develop habits that they can sustain day in and day out over extended periods of time. And if they miss a day, they are quick to resume the following day. My mentor, John Maxwell, has done this with his writing and research. He has made these daily habits. His success as a worldwide leader, captivating speaker, and best-selling author did not happen overnight. It has come from daily habits applied over decades.

To have an impact, you must invest well. You must invest on a regular basis. And you must invest with intent.

When it comes to your life, relationships, and business, are you investing for the long haul?

For valuable resources on Leadership Strengths and Tools, click here.

Deb Ingino is a highly sought-after executive coach, mentor, consultant, and speaker worldwide. Deb is well versed in business operations and in the importance of asking key questions most business leaders won’t ask themselves. She brings deep experience in leadership development, strategy, high performance team building and effective communication. She has a passion for leading people to discover and maximize their strengths as well as those of fellow team members, while offering advanced strategies to achieve high performance. Deb is the perfect fit if you’re ready to take your leadership and impact to the next level!