Patience creates the foundation for investment success. The period between receiving capital and deploying it shapes your entire financial future. After building a multi-million dollar optometry practice from the ground up and orchestrating the largest private optometry business sale in Texas, Dr. Tony Jacob discovered that deliberate patience transforms investment outcomes completely.
What Makes Patient Investing So Powerful?
The discipline to slow down before making investment decisions can become your greatest advantage in a world fixated on immediate results. Dr. Tony Jacob uncovered this principle during his transformation from entrepreneur to investor after selling his practice.
His journey illuminates how entrepreneurial habits that fuel business growth can undermine investment success. Quick decisions, comfort with risk, and action-oriented thinking, qualities that entrepreneurs rely on, often work against thoughtful investing.
How Do Entrepreneurial and Investor Mindsets Differ?
The shift from entrepreneur to investor demands an entirely different mental framework. Many business owners struggle when they attempt to apply business thinking to investment decisions.
“You learn to become patient. And I think that’s part of the evolution from entrepreneur to post-exit is figuring that out for yourself. And you learn a lot about yourself that way too, and because you’re a great entrepreneur doesn’t necessarily make you a great investor,” Dr. Tony Jacob explained during his conversation with Justin Donald on “The Lifestyle Investor” podcast.
Following his business sale, Dr. Tony Jacob dedicated a full year to preparation before making significant investment moves. This intentional pause allowed him to:
- Master investment fundamentals
- Build relationships with knowledgeable mentors
- Develop investment criteria aligned with personal goals
- Process the psychological changes accompanying major life transitions
What Can You Learn During Your Investment Pause?
Taking time before investing develops skills and knowledge crucial for success. During his year-long pause, Dr. Tony Jacob concentrated on education and relationship-building instead of immediate action.
“So, for me, what I did personally was take a year off and really not invest too heavily. And I think that time is what you need right out of the exit is to figure out what that looks like for you, have a lot of conversations,” he explained.
This preparation helped him avoid common mistakes and create a personalized strategy that reflected his values. The learning phase also helps investors understand a fundamental reality: losses will occur.
How Does Patience Improve Investment Outcomes?
Patient investing transforms how you evaluate opportunities. Without the rush to deploy capital, you gain the ability to:
- Evaluate potential investments thoroughly
- Identify ideal market entry points
- Decline mediocre opportunities confidently
- Cultivate relationships with potential partners
- Develop specialized knowledge before committing capital
Dr. Tony Jacob applied this measured approach after selling his practice, allowing him to become more selective and strategic. The discipline to wait for appropriate opportunities consistently produces better long-term results than pursuing every possibility.
What Role Does Community Play in Investment Success?
A pivotal insight from Dr. Tony Jacob’s experience highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with knowledgeable peers during your investment education. He emphasizes that participation in investment groups and learning communities accelerates growth dramatically.
The community aspect provides accountability, education, and perspective impossible to gain alone. Dr. Tony Jacob engaged with high-level groups, including TIGER 21, which connected him with successful entrepreneurs navigating similar transitions. These relationships delivered both practical knowledge and emotional support during a major life change.
Q&A: Common Questions About Patient Investing
Q: Won’t I miss valuable opportunities if I delay investing?
A: Some specific opportunities may pass, but patient investors recognize that markets continuously generate new possibilities. The knowledge gained during your preparation period enables you to identify and evaluate future opportunities more effectively.
Q: How long should my preparation period last?
A: The appropriate timeframe varies based on your circumstances, experience, and financial complexity. Dr. Tony Jacob devoted a full year, but your ideal period might differ. The key involves ensuring you possess both knowledge and emotional readiness for sound decision-making.
Q: Should I avoid all investments during my learning phase?
A: Not necessarily. Small, educational investments provide valuable experience while you learn. Consider viewing initial investments primarily as learning opportunities rather than expecting substantial returns.
Q: How do I determine when I’m ready for significant investing?
A: You’re prepared when you have: (1) established investment criteria that match your goals, (2) acquired sufficient knowledge about your target asset classes, (3) built relationships with trusted advisors, and (4) developed emotional comfort with investment volatility.
Q: How do I manage the psychological aspects of investing?
A: Many investors find that understanding their emotional responses to market movements helps tremendously. Creating an investment policy statement that outlines your strategy, limits, and goals provides clarity during emotional market periods.