Many investors spend endless hours chasing the perfect investment portfolio - the magic mix that promises to build lasting wealth. And while getting your portfolio right does matter and can shape your long-term returns, there’s one important thing that often gets overlooked:

Investment returns are ultimately out of our control.

We can position ourselves intelligently for the returns we need, but the final outcome rests with the markets.

The Element We Can Control

There’s another factor that plays an equally vital - and arguably more important - role in achieving financial success: Our contributions.

While market returns fluctuate, our investment contributions are entirely within our control. The more we invest consistently, the greater our potential for compounding growth over time.

It’s an uncomfortable truth for some: our financial success largely depends on us.

Every pound we contribute represents a conscious choice to invest in our future selves - often at the expense of current wants. That discipline, the ability to prioritise tomorrow over today, is what separates those who thrive in retirement from those who merely survive.

The Harsh Reality

Many believe that investment returns will quickly outgrow their personal contributions. But simple maths tells a different story.

Even with regular contributions and reasonable return assumptions, it can take up to 20 years before market returns outpace the total amount we’ve contributed.

In other words, your steady, disciplined contributions do the heavy lifting - especially in the early years. Market returns amplify your efforts later, but consistency is the foundation that makes it possible.

A Tale of Two Investors

Over the years, I’ve noticed two patterns when it comes to how people approach investing:

The Consistent Contributor - the one who keeps investing no matter what’s happening in the economy. They might tighten their budget or make small lifestyle changes, but stopping contributions isn’t an option.

The Stop-and-Starter - the one who hits pause at the first sign of financial stress, planning to resume “soon.” But “Soon” often turns into months or even years.

And over time, the gap between these two approaches is massive.

Slow… Then Fast

The path to wealth rarely looks exciting in the beginning. Growth feels slow, sometimes painfully so.

But compounding has a tipping point - and once it hits, your wealth begins to grow fast. The investors who stay disciplined long enough to reach that moment are the ones who experience true financial freedom.

So, treat your investment contributions as your most important monthly expense - non-negotiable and central to your future success.

Reframe them as an act of empowerment, not sacrifice.

The markets will do what they do.

But you have complete control over how much you contribute, and that’s where your real power lies.

Stay consistent, stay patient, and watch compounding reward your discipline many times over. 🩷