Investing: Self Review
- personal995
- May 19, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 7, 2025
Index
Purpose
Investing: Self Review is a section of Investing.
This page and section exists to check in and objectively review your Investing.
The more objective and honest your are, the more likely you are to face reality accurately, and in turn, the more likely you are to get beneficial outcomes.
Introduction
Richard Feynman, the great physicist, once said, “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself — and you are the easiest person to fool.”
We need to check in with ourselves and keep ourselves honest. We all stray from our Values, Goals and The Path. That is normal, that is okay. What we do when we realise we have strayed is what matters.
The Socratic method is a form of cooperative, argumentative dialogue to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. It is named after the classical Greek philosopher Socrates, who employed this method in his teaching.
In the Socratic method, instead of providing direct answers to questions, a person engages in a dialogue to explore and clarify their own (or others) thoughts and beliefs. This process involves asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and uncover underlying assumptions or contradictions.
When applied to the self, the Socratic method becomes a means of self-inquiry and reflection.
Process
In the tradition of the Socratic method, the below is a series of questions to consider when checking in with yourself as you progress:
Review each question one at a time. Are you being honest with yourself? Do you truly know your position and progress?
The Self Review Worksheet in The Workbook can be used to help document your thoughts, answers and plans for moving forward.
Based on your review, thoughts, answers and plans for moving forward:
Do you need to adjust your Models & Theories to course correct or move forward?
Do you have further Lessons to learn to adapt your approach?
Are there Tactics that could assist you to better handle specific scenarios?
Whatever the answers are you discover about yourself, whether positive or negative, it doesn't really matter. What matters is what you do next.
Continually learn, continually improve and move forward.
Self Review
1. What are my long-term financial goals, and how do they align with my personal values and aspirations?
This question encourages reflection on your overarching objectives and ensures your investment strategy is aligned with your broader life goals.
2. Am I adequately diversified across asset classes, industries, and geographic regions to mitigate risk and capture growth opportunities?
Diversification is key to managing risk and maximizing returns, so assessing the breadth and balance of your investments is essential.
3. Do I have a clear understanding of the investment options and strategies I'm utilizing, and am I comfortable with the level of risk they entail?
It's crucial to understand the investments you're making and be comfortable with their risk-return profiles to make informed decisions.
4. Am I regularly reviewing and adjusting my investment portfolio to reflect changes in my financial situation, goals, and market conditions?
Regular portfolio reviews ensure your investments remain aligned with your evolving circumstances and market dynamics.
5. How am I incorporating tax-efficient strategies into my investment approach to minimize tax liabilities and maximize after-tax returns?
Tax efficiency can significantly impact your investment outcomes, so considering tax implications and utilizing tax-efficient strategies is important.
6. Am I staying disciplined and avoiding emotional reactions to short-term market fluctuations or external noise that may distract from my long-term investment objectives?
Emotional discipline is crucial for maintaining a steady course amidst market volatility and uncertainty.
7. How am I preparing for retirement, and are my retirement savings on track to meet my future income needs and lifestyle expectations?
Planning for retirement early and regularly assessing your savings progress helps ensure financial security and a comfortable lifestyle in retirement.
8. Have I established an emergency fund and adequate insurance coverage to protect against unforeseen expenses or disruptions to my financial well-being?
Building a financial safety net ensures you're prepared for unexpected challenges and can maintain stability in times of uncertainty.
9. Am I actively seeking opportunities to continue learning and improving my financial literacy to make more informed investment decisions?
Lifelong learning is essential for staying informed about new investment opportunities, strategies, and market trends.
10. How am I balancing my investment priorities with other aspects of my life, such as personal relationships, health, and career fulfillment?
Achieving a fulfilling life involves more than just financial success, so considering how investments fit into the broader picture is important.
11. Am I regularly reflecting on my financial journey, celebrating achievements, learning from mistakes, and adjusting my approach as needed to stay on track toward my goals?
Reflective practice fosters continuous improvement and ensures your investment strategy remains adaptive and effective over time.
12. Am I confident in my understanding of investment principles and comfortable with managing my portfolio, or should I seek guidance from a financial advisor or investment professional?
Ensuring you have the relevant expertise, skills, and temperament to manage your investments effectively is essential for success. If you're unsure or lack the necessary expertise, seeking guidance from a qualified professional may be prudent to ensure your financial well-being and investment success.
By posing these self-reflective questions you can deepen your awareness of your current position. In turn, enhancing the clarity and most important steps of your strategic approach moving forward.
Output Checklist
Completed Self Review Worksheet from The Workbook guided via the above Investing: Self Review.
Next Steps
If you feel you have key learnings to takeaway, return to Investing: Main to integrate into your Output Checklist.
To continue to learn more, move on to Investing: Lessons.
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