Investing is a constant learning process. Markets shift, strategies evolve, and past decisions can look completely misguided over time. One of the most valuable ways I’ve found to refine my approach is by documenting my thoughts, decisions, and observations—both the good and the bad.
This blog serves as my personal log, a space where I track my investment thinking over time. It’s not meant to be financial advice, nor a guide for others to follow. Instead, it’s a structured way for me to analyze my decisions, challenge my assumptions, and reflect on how different investment approaches work in real time. If you are reading this, please keep this in mind. Take my input as inspiration for your research and feel free to engage with me to discuss your own findings or views.
I am based in Europe and will add insights on global, European, and even regional (German) specifics regarding investing, economics, tax, and wealth theories.
(Source: Pexels)
A Framework for Learning
I came across the Japanese martial arts concept of Shuhari (守破離) [see: Wikipedia] a few years ago. Since then, I have tried to apply it to different aspects of my life.
In finance and investing, the stages of learning and mastery follow this pattern:
- Shu (守) – Learning the Rules: At first, I focused on foundational investment principles—things like diversification, risk management, and macroeconomic analysis.
- Ha (破) – Breaking the Rules: Over time, I began questioning conventional wisdom, adapting strategies, and exploring what worked best for me.
- Ri (離) – Transcending the Rules: The ultimate goal is to develop a self-sustaining, adaptable investment philosophy. Decisions should be based on deep understanding rather than blindly following preset strategies.
By writing things down, I track my progress across these stages. This helps me identify where I’m still learning and where I have built genuine conviction.
What I Document
I focus on tracking my thought process around markets, investment strategies, and portfolio allocation. I also analyze economic principles and their effect on our lives and society.
This documentation is not about offering recommendations. Instead, it helps me make my thinking more transparent to myself. If others find value in reading along, that’s great. However, the main purpose of this space is to keep me accountable. It also serves as a way to guide my reflections and shape my economic and political opinions.
What This Blog is Not
To be clear, this is not a financial advice website. I do not sell investment services, provide stock tips, or claim to have superior knowledge of the markets. As an individual, I’m exploring the complexities of investing and keeping a record of my journey. If like-minded people engage with me along the way, even better. Learning together could make this process even more rewarding!
Looking Ahead
My goal with this blog is to improve my decision-making over time. By reflecting on past ideas, identifying mistakes, and refining strategies, I hope to build a more resilient and well-informed approach to investing. If this process sparks interesting discussions or helps others think critically about their own investments, that’s a bonus. However, the primary purpose remains personal.
Let’s see where this journey leads.
PS: English is not my native language, so please be gentle. 😉