What We Focus on at Work and When Investing

As I write this, I am currently on a short break from the usual work that we do here at Providend. Chris and the management team have decided to give us some time to rest, relax and spend time with our families because 2020 and 2021 have both been challenging years.

While we have been able to work from home, being somewhat isolated and unable to share the usual in-person interactions with colleagues, clients and friends is far from ideal. Work also inevitably seeps into rest time at home when the space allotted for both overlaps.

Overall, I am cognisant of the fact that we are in many ways more fortunate than others suffering more directly from the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on individual lives and work situations, so we cannot complain too much, if at all.

In the early days of the pandemic, when we were first making the move to remote work, Chris shared that despite these challenges we should work hard, adapt and do what we can to continue to journey with clients, form relationships with new ones, and carry out our mission. At the same time, we need to find effective ways to stay connected.

I feel that we have so far managed to do each well, by harnessing technology and making a conscious effort to be human with clients and each other.

Lesson learnt

If I were to draw a single lesson from what has transpired so far, I would say that the trick is to focus on the things that matter that you can control and let the rest take care of itself.

(This is exactly the approach that we tell clients to take when investing in the financial markets too.)

It reminds me of a little plaque that sits on a bookshelf, in my living room, that displays an all too familiar quote – also known as the Serenity Prayer – by Reinhold Niebuhr:

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.”

I sincerely hope that each of you manage the same.

Giving thanks

As the year draws to a close, like many of you, I make it a point to give thanks, express gratitude and count my blessings.

I give thanks that we are relatively safe here in Singapore, that I have a supportive, loving family, and caring, competent colleagues.

I am grateful for all our clients and the trust that they place in us, and for their allowing us to journey with and support them, even through this challenging time.

And I am thankful that, despite the challenges, the market has continued to give our clients healthy returns, and that business conditions have allowed our efforts to bear fruit and for Providend to continue to thrive.

What have you been focusing on this year? And what are you grateful for?

Dear Reader, here’s wishing you a Happy New Year! Keep safe!

This is an original article written by Bryan ChanClient Adviser at Providend, Singapore’s First Fee-Only Wealth Advisory Firm.

For more related resources, check out:
1. Reflections About Life in 2021
2. Principles for Successful Investing
3. Sailing and Wealth Planning: When It Is Smart to Play It Safe


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