Let It Go to Let It Grow and The Power of Detachment in Life and the Stock Market
- Brainz Magazine
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
Written by Frank Pullia, Life Coach
Frank Pullia leverages a distinguished career in finance and politics as a motivational speaker and coach, inspiring transformation and peak performance.
In a world where uncertainty pervades everything from relationships to the financial markets, the ancient wisdom of detachment offers a modern antidote. Far from being a sign of apathy or disengagement, healthy detachment is about releasing the need to control what is ultimately uncontrollable. When we master this practice, we not only find inner peace but also open the door to smarter, calmer decision-making, whether in life or investing.
The case for detachment in life
Every day, we’re bombarded by news, deadlines, and a relentless drive for achievement. We cling tightly to outcomes, hoping for specific results, and in doing so, we set ourselves up for frustration when things don’t go our way.
Detachment allows us to step back, breathe, and observe life’s unfolding with curiosity rather than desperation. It encourages us to invest in the process, whether cultivating a relationship, growing a business, or learning a new skill, without being consumed by the outcome. This shift in perspective leads to greater resilience, less stress, and a deep sense of inner freedom.
The zen of investing
The stock market is a perfect mirror for the dance of attachment and detachment. Emotional investing, where decisions are driven by fear, greed, or panic, often leads to impulsive trades and long-term regret. But investors who cultivate detachment understand that markets will rise and fall, often unpredictably.
By embracing a long-term perspective, setting clear investment goals, and practicing calm in the face of market turbulence, we can ride the waves rather than be capsized by them. Legendary investors like Warren Buffett have often emphasized the importance of patience and rationality, qualities rooted in the practice of detachment.
Detachment in a business environment: Managing your investments or retirement portfolio
Suppose you are one of the people managing their investment portfolio and are close to, or have been retired for some time, and the recent drop and volatility in the stock market are creating stress and uncertainty in your life. In this case, understanding the key concepts of detachment can help you see clearly through the fog of uncertainty created when fear or greed prevail.
Easier said than done, right? I agree that this is not as easy as it sounds, but certain things are in your control that, when applied judiciously, can help avoid major errors and provide more stability and peace of mind. So here are the basic strategies and techniques that you can follow, based on the Zen concept of balance.
The fundamental concept of balance in one’s life has practical applications that can be successfully applied in financial areas.
First, to be in balance, one must have a plan that includes the capacity to react to various circumstances.
Second, if you have a plan, you are better prepared to react more swiftly when such circumstances change. For example, given your age and investment time horizon, you would have created a portfolio that balances risk and reward based on your needs and short- or long-term financial objectives. Most people do that well if helped by a financial advisor. The problem usually emerges when we forget to remain committed and focused on our objectives and respond to greed and fear, which amplify the current situation, especially when we focus too much on media coverage that usually highlights the negative to increase their readership.
Understanding yourself (how you react to stress and emotional highs and lows), your objectives (short-, mid-, and long-term), and the dynamic landscape in which you operate (the high volatility and low predictability of the stock market, especially over a short-term time horizon) can allow you to remain detached from the outcome when things seem to be out of control.
Understanding the enemy
In The Art of War, the key concept is that when you know yourself, you will win half of the battles, and when you know both yourself and the enemy, you will always win. Well, what does that mean, and who is the enemy? In this case, the enemy is fear and greed, and your human emotions that cloud your mind when clarity is needed to move in an optimal way given the circumstances (the lay of the land in a battle situation).
Detachment from the outcome
This is only possible if all the previous strategies and techniques have been put in place. It is extremely difficult to remain detached if you are letting your emotions run your life when you are facing a stressful event like a stock market crash.
Other practical steps to cultivate detachment
Mindful awareness: Begin each day with a few moments of meditation or journaling. Reflect on what you can control today, and what you must release.
Automated investing: Use strategies like dollar-cost averaging to remove emotional decision-making from your portfolio.
Media detox: Limit exposure to news and market updates to avoid being swept into daily volatility. Set boundaries for screen time and notifications.
Affirmations and reminders: Repeat mantras like “I let go of what I cannot control” or “I am calm amidst the chaos.” These can help reset your mindset throughout the day.
Conclusion: The joy of surrender
Paradoxically, when we stop clinging to control, we gain something even more valuable, clarity, peace, and often, better outcomes. Whether navigating the difficulties of life or the volatility of the markets, the practice of detachment allows us to move forward with grace and resilience.
So, let go. Let it grow.
Frank Pullia, Life Coach
Frank Pullia is a renowned speaker and motivational life management coach known for his insightful blend of ancient wisdom and modern strategies. With extensive experience as a business consultant and former city councilor, he empowers individuals and organizations through strategic and political foresight and holistic wellness. Frank is currently authoring a book on the art of life management, aiming to guide others to thrive in an uncertain world.
