One of the first things I do when I get back from vacation is check on my portfolio. During this past vacation, I did not check my portfolio once.  This is becoming more and more difficult - not checking that is.  Internet access is rampant, and I usually bring my laptop along on vacation.However, ignoring my portfolio is immensely gratifying if not satisfying.  I don’t actively trade so there’s little reason for me to look at how my assets are doing.  Being up or down on short term basis is meaningless.  However, I imagine, I,  like many other people who tell others to ignore the day to day volatility,  are ourselves enraptured by it (even if we don’t do anything about it).  I also realize as my assets have accumulated I’ve probably become more obsessed with looking at the numbers on the screen.  I feel a bit like gollum at times, my precious….

I don’t want to be like gollum.  I certainly want my portfolio to do well, but there’s really no reason for me to be obsessed.  At best I should only have need to check once a week, or when major current events dictate that I take action.  The fact is if I’m interested in better investing, my time is better spent looking at new investments rather than current ones.  Though I was anxious this week to look at brokerage account after my vacation, it was more satifying on the cruise to be free of those thoughts.  Like anything else, I think ignoring the markets just takes some discipline - discpline that I hope I have.