In 2021, I learned that happiness comes from a resilient mindset and having little attachment to any one outcome

We set out with a general sense of what we’d like to accomplish, but we have no control over what will unfold naturally.

My clients and I experience the greatest angst when we can’t seem to land that client or win that auction, and then the mind chatters away that we are failing.

Misses and “mistakes” are part of the process - like the inner game of tennis, we don’t label winner as good or errors as bad. A portfolio company going sideways is an “opportunity” for the very wise investment group to use its collective wisdom to chart an alternative course. It’s all part of the journey. That’s why you earn your “management fee” - it’s not a one-time underwriting fee.

Surrendering the illusion of control has also been an important part of parenting this year. While we can listen, acknowledge, love and support our kids, my wife and I have no control over what these little girls are gonna do one moment to the next.

A parable for happiness describes it well:
“Each of you is like a farmer.
Each day you tend your field, planting, seeding, watering, tilling - focusing on the inputs you know are most likely to produce the output you seek.
Nature dictates the rest.
And at the end of each month, you give thanks and gratitude for whatever harvest comes.”

Gratitude is the prayer of the enlightened,
And the path to sustainable happiness and fulfillment.

Happy 2022

#gratitude #mindset #happiness #privateequity #growthequity #investmentbanking #privatecredit