Some years ago now, I was a snowboard instructor at our local gem, Woods Valley.

When teaching kids to go from pushing snow down the hill to actually being able to ride their board into turns, I’d tell them to look across the hill and point to where they wanted to go. Where your eyes go and where you point, is where you will go. It’s a simple concept that they grasped easily.

First came the long, wide turns and as they got more comfortable, shorter, quicker ones. Then, before long, they’d be carving down the hill far faster than me. I was old, they were young and made of rubber. It was inevitable.

This look and point approach applies to many disciplines: throwing a baseball, riding a horse, hitting a golf shot (so I am told) and it certainly applies to investing.

A prudent investor doesn’t just throw money into the market blindly and hope for the best. First, they look to where they want to go.

They set the target. They set the timeline. Is it retirement 20 years from now? is it a second home 10 years from now? Is it to fund your children’s education? Is it an RV to travel the country, going from national parks to ballparks to college football games? (OK, that one may or may not be mine).

Then, they point their portfolio toward that destination. They first work to understand what type of risk they are comfortable with and what type of risk might be necessary to reach that target. They then, with the assistance of an advisor and investment team who have the necessary knowledge and resources, craft a portfolio in line with the risk that is tolerable and necessary. And from there, they proceed down the mountain toward their goal.

They do this knowing that there will be ice patches, debris, moguls, and other obstacles along the way. That is part of the ride. This is one of those times right now. The volatility in this year’s market makes even the most seasoned investor question their goals and whether they are going to reach it. Don’t.

Keep your eyes on the target, keep pointing to it and make the necessary adjustments along the way. It may take a few more turns or a bit more time but obstacles along the way do not warrant taking your eyes off the destination. To the contrary, it becomes even more crucial. It’s easy to board down a perfectly groomed trail in perfect conditions. It’s a test of your mettle to do it when the temps are single digits and the conditions are nasty. Investing tests your mettle and volatility is the price of admission – your lift ticket so to speak.

So keep the helmet strapped on, the goggles clear and keep making your way down the hill. The dicey conditions don’t last forever. Before too long, we will have some bluebird, fresh powder days to enjoy with a fireplace and a cocktail awaiting us at the end.

Stay the course, and I’ll meet you there.

Original content provided by Gregory Mattacola, Esq., CFP, Lead Adviser at Strategic Financial Services. Content is provided for educational purposes only and should not be used as the basis upon which to make an investment or financial decisions. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, performance is not guaranteed. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.