We all choose what we invest in. It could be the markets, could be relationships, could be our health. But all of these are related to us directly.

There’s another type of investment that we make – with a team or an individual. It could be in the field of sports, in our workplaces, or in business partnerships. Today, I am talking about these kinds of investments…

The past 6-7 weeks, I chose to invest my energy, time, and emotions with the journey of the Indian national cricket team. It was the cricket World Cup and with India playing at home, and playing well leading up to the tournament, I pledged myself to the team’s success.

It was a fairy tale script. The team won all its league matches comfortably and looked like invincible. It increased my confidence significantly and I continued to invest more into their journey.

But as is sometimes the case, last night left a sad note in our books. The men faltered at the last stop and my faith that they will bring home the cup, and repay my investment, was shattered.

As I switched off the television and went to get some sleep, something agitated me. After all these weeks of waking up at odd hours to watch matches and follow all game analysis, I was expecting more.

But as I thought about it, laying down and unable to sleep, I realized that it wasn’t justified for me to react like this. For, I did enjoy the journey and it was a fabulous one. The team played like a champion and a single loss won’t negate that fact.

As I made peace with the fact, it also occurred to me that a lot of times we judge our investment of time / effort / money in a fleeting manner. We decide how the investment is faring by looking at the last few moments / days. Not thinking about the journey we have traversed with that investment.

Be it in matters of personal investments or financial, we become short-sighted and seek early results. But what if the fruit of the labour is in continuing to invest and learn and grow?

After all, we don’t ask that question of ourselves when we invest in our child’s education. Or in matters of health once we realise prevention is better than cure!