What's Your Edge?

If you want to become great at anything, in business or life, you must have a competitive advantage.

Everyone is different.

Some people start with better genetics.

Some have more talent.

Some are smarter than average.

My edge is that I’m willing to get more uncomfortable than most people. Look, nobody likes to be uncomfortable. By definition, it wouldn’t be uncomfortable if you enjoyed it.

I’m constantly pushing myself to go precisely where I fear. When you listen to the little voice inside of you, the voice that tells you it’s too hard, too cold, too risky, too scary… listen to it. It’s telling you where to go. That’s where all the progress happens.

When I started investing in microcaps, I didn’t know much about finance and had no experience whatsoever. My biggest fear was talking with management teams on the phone or in person.

But I knew it would make me a better investor. So, I decided to attend conferences and take 1x1 meetings anyway, trying to learn as much as possible every time.

I remember my first-ever conference in Los Angeles (LD Micro). On the first morning, Philippe Bélanger, my business partner at the time, got stuck in traffic (typical LA) and texted me he wouldn’t make it in time for our first meeting.

Well, that’s a great start. I’m already scared as hell, and now I have to handle my first meeting alone?

I wanted to disappear. But you know what? The meeting went well, and it wasn’t that scary after all. Most fears are only in our heads.

Speaking in public was another fear of mine. When I started organizing networking cocktail events in Montreal, I was terrified to take the microphone to say a few words in front of about 50 people. That fear lasted several years. By doing it over and over, I became more comfortable with it.

Training for ultra-trail races is another way for me to get uncomfortable.

I’ve been scared at the start of most races I’ve entered into because I’ve been pushing my limits. I started with a 10k race in 2017 and progressively worked my way up to 80 km (50 miles) - and I’m not done yet.

Every time I toed the starting line of a new longest-ever distance, I thought there was a reasonable chance I might fail.

I never feel as dialled in as when I contemplate the possibility of failure. That motivates me to work harder.

I train early in the morning when most people are sleeping.

I train late at night when others watch TV.

I train when it’s cold outside, when it snows, and when it rains…

A lot of times, I don’t feel like doing it. That’s the uncomfortable part right there. The more you overcome that hurdle, the easier it gets (somewhat).

In two weeks, I’ll run the Ultra-Trail Jack Rabbit 12-hour event here in the Laurentians (Quebec). The concept is pretty simple: it’s a 4.2 km loop with some elevation gain, and you run the loop as many times as you can in 12 hours.

Oh, and it’s at night (from 7pm to 7am) during the coldest month of the year.

Here’s a picture of me after completing 15 loops (63 km) in -25C temperature last year:

I’ll try to improve by running a couple more loops this year and reaching 70+ km. I know my body can handle the distance. We’ll see if my mind can deal with this torture once more!

As Mark Manson wrote in The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, ‘‘Our struggles determine our successes.’’

The struggles that you’re willing to put up with over and over will become the foundation of tomorrow’s achievements.

Choose your struggles wisely. That’s YOUR edge.

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Disclaimer

This publication is for informational purposes only. Nothing produced under the Stocks & Stones brand should be construed as investment advice or recommendations. Mathieu Martin, the author, is employed as a Portfolio Manager with Rivemont Investments. This publication only represents Mathieu Martin’s own opinions and not those of Rivemont.

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