When I was a child, I grew up with a stutter – I hated it.
I remembered one time I turned my head back to a boy in class and said: “Ca… C… Can you… stah… stop, hit… hitting ME?” Instead of stopping, he burst out laughing and continued hitting my head. I hated getting bullied this way. My face turned red, my chest tightened and the only thing I wanted to do at that time was dig my head in the sand and cry.
Growing up, I was scared to speak my mind. Because the more I stuttered, the more I’d embarrass myself, the more I knew I would get laughed at.
Opening my mouth meant getting shamed and criticized.
Opening my mouth meant trouble.
So I buried my voice.
I taught myself not to say anything wrong. And made sure I didn’t sound stupid
Why am I sharing this slice of life with you?
Well, I enjoy the challenge of capital allocation. I enjoy compounding passive income.
But I also enjoy the pursuit of self-growth.
Years ago, I quit my corporate job. And I realized later on all I wanted to do was to make money so I can buy my own personal freedom.
Charlie Munger one said this I’ll never forget: “Like Warren, I had a considerable passion to get rich. Not because I wanted Ferraris – I wanted the independence.”
I wanted that independence.
You see, I don’t just want to slog in a company doing routine work. I’ve always loved the idea of doing what aligns with me. That means I don’t wanna get beholden by anyone, or an organization.
This is also the reason why dividendtitan.com is soooo important to me. This is the channel that connects my soul to the world. My blog gave me something to dream, to reach out to you and let me discover gifts I’ve never discovered before — writing, public speaking, building wonderful communities. It pushes my limits to what I can achieve.
Today, I’ve learnt so much more about myself, what I can achieve and break free from my self-limiting beliefs.
Instead of becoming a fund manager, I’m managing my family’s and close friends portfolios.
Instead of shutting my voice, I’ve spoken on public stages, radio and TV.
Instead of becoming a “mindless drone”, I’ve found my voice in the world of finance.
Along the way, learning how to invest made me discover way more about myself than I could ever have.
I know this sounds cliche, but isn’t this what life is all made to be? The true joy of compounding wealth is the golden thread that binds the inner fabric of our heart 🙂
(feeling thoughtful).
XOXO
Sometimes, investing can be simple.
Willie Keng, CFA
Founder, Dividend Titan
