Why We Invest

In 2011, I walked away from a job that, in many ways, had exceeded my wildest dreams. At the time, it wasn't entirely clear why I felt compelled to leave. In the months that followed, I focused on practicing and playing golf (a mediocre golfer on the elusive search for scratch) and questioned if I would ever invest again.

For decades I had strived to achieve financial security and play golf every day, thinking I couldn't possibly be happier than that. This proved to be completely wrong, as I was just playing a new version of the same game. The scoreboard had changed (from investing returns to golf handicap), but my underlying goal had not (still seeking external validation).

This realization (and a few very lucky breaks) sparked an unexpected personal growth journey, which began in 2012 and will continue for the rest of my life. Along the way, I have experienced a wide range of experiential approaches to confronting painful blind spots and chiseling away at negative egoic patterns. While this process is "a mountain that has no top," one of its many positive (and unanticipated) developments has been falling in love with business, investing, and golf more than ever before. My "why" has gradually evolved from a wounded child's need to be seen to a genuine outlet for self-expression.

I was surprised that typically ego-driven activities (such as business, investing, and golf) can be such rich fodder for personal growth. However, they each provide an extraordinary combination of personal enjoyment and ample challenges that are perfectly designed for me to fall down, learn, and then try to be and do better next time. Meanwhile, the returns we generate on investments support the Ocho Capital team and our families, allow us to fund future investment opportunities, and ultimately will be given to philanthropic causes that benefit the growth and development of human beings.

-- Dris Upitis