Downside Protection

Yesterday I saw a presentation of a colleague who emphasized how important it is to have downside protection in portfolios as well as in life. While she used the expression 'call option', I would use the expression 'foundation' instead. The point is that it is your right and duty to reach for the stars but please make first sure that your foundation is solid. In different phases of your life you have to accomplish different things. Sometimes you run hard only to find that you stay in place while at other times the environment you are in is so conducive to growth that you take off without exerting any effort. Be patient and accept each stage of your life as is. There is nothing worse than burning out prematurely. Remember, you are only as good as your last impression. A spiritual path is a marathon and not a sprint. With patience and persistence the sky will be your limit.