“Where does the fun come from?”—a column now published on Toyo Keizai ONLINE

Good morning, this is Matsushita.

When talking with individual investors,

there are times when the topic becomes

“Is investing enjoyable?”

At the seminar held last month,

in response to this question, many participants

raised their hands with the answer “enjoyable,”

which was reassuring.

However, in reality, since 75% of market investors

are losing money, at least the investors who are losing

should not be enjoying it.

So, where does the enjoyment come from?

It is believed that when profits rise, it becomes enjoyable, so

as long as you can become capable of earning profits, that is sufficient.

Indeed, earning profits makes you feel joyful.

But that enjoyment is not merely about money increasing;

it brings even greater delight.

The enjoyment of investing is

1. It comes from understanding the markets and investing.

As understanding broadens, people naturally enjoy it.

2. As understanding expands, you gradually win more often,

and you begin to profit, which makes you happy.

3. Making a profit is the achievement of goals and dreams,

giving a strong sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.

Thus, the enjoyment of investing expands.

Its origin lies in broadening understanding,

becoming capable of comprehending many things.

As understanding grows and more becomes clear,

investing becomes more and more enjoyable.

You might think learning is bothersome, but

beyond that, true enjoyment awaits, so

please push yourself a little to experience it.

Once you experience this, investing becomes so enjoyable

that you cannot stop learning.

That is how I have continued learning for 16 years,

and continue to enjoy it.