Photo credit: Elkhorn and Staghorn Corals, Center for Biological Diversity

As a long-time Certified Financial Planner®, I’ve spent my career helping clients grow, protect, and enjoy their money over decades. I recently saw my work through a new lens when a client, Stephen, shared more about his volunteer work in coral restoration.

You might say coral reefs and investing seem worlds, or oceans, apart. One lives in spreadsheets and markets, the other beneath the ocean’s surface. But the more I’ve learned about Stephen’s work with damaged coral in Florida, the more I realize we do remarkably similar things—just in different environments.

Both are long-term commitments. Both require patience, discipline, and humility. And both teach powerful lessons about how real, lasting growth happens.

Here are the parallels that stood out most to me.

1. Progress Is Slow—and That’s the Point

Coral restoration doesn’t happen quickly. You don’t drop coral into the ocean and see a thriving reef the next year. Growth happens millimeter by millimeter. Sometimes it’s barely visible. But over time, those tiny changes create entire ecosystems that support life.

Long-term investing works the same way.

Some investors expect dramatic results early. But the real magic of investing isn’t speed, it’s compounding. Small, consistent contributions made thoughtfully over time can grow into something powerful. The early years often feel quiet, even boring. That doesn’t mean nothing is happening beneath the surface.

In both coral restoration and investing, patience isn’t inactive, it’s strategic.

2. You Can’t Control the Environment—Only Your Response

Ocean temperatures rise. Storms damage reefs. Pollution threatens progress. Experts don’t pretend these risks don’t exist. Instead, they plan for them—choosing resilient coral species, diversifying restoration sites, and adjusting methods as conditions change.

Markets behave the same way.

We can’t control interest rates, geopolitical events, inflation, or recessions. But we can control how portfolios are structured, how diversified they are, and how we respond when volatility hits.

Long-term success isn’t about avoiding disruption—it’s about building systems that can withstand it.

3. Diversity Creates Resilience

Healthy coral reefs are diverse. Different coral species play different roles, supporting fish populations, protecting coastlines, and stabilizing ecosystems. When reefs lack diversity, they’re more vulnerable to disease and environmental stress.

The same principle applies to investing. Diversification—across asset classes, strategies, and time horizons—isn’t about chasing performance. It’s about resilience. A well-diversified portfolio is designed to endure changing conditions, not just thrive in perfect ones.

Resilience, not perfection, is the real goal.

4. Short-Term Setbacks Don’t Mean Failure

In coral restoration, setbacks are inevitable. Some coral fragments don’t survive. Storms undo months of work. Progress can feel fragile. But restoration experts don’t abandon the project because of one setback. They assess, adapt, and continue.

Investors often struggle here. A market downturn can feel personal. A year of underperformance can feel like failure. But short-term losses are not proof that a long-term strategy is broken. They’re part of the process.

Long-term investing—like restoration—is about staying committed even when results temporarily move in the wrong direction.

5. The Best Results Come from Long-term Stewardship

Coral restoration isn’t a one-time project. It requires ongoing care, monitoring, and adjustment. The most successful reefs are supported by people who think in decades, not seasons.

That’s how we view financial planning.

Our role isn’t to ‘beat the market’ this year. It’s to be a steward for our clients’ financial ecosystems over time—helping them align their money with their lives, values, and goals through every stage. Stewardship means checking in, making thoughtful changes, and staying focused on the bigger picture.

6. The Work Is Bigger Than Any One Outcome

Coral restoration isn’t just about coral—it’s about protecting coastlines, preserving biodiversity, and supporting future generations.

Likewise, long-term investing isn’t just about numbers on a statement. It’s about freedom, security, opportunity, and legacy. It’s about giving people the ability to care for others, support causes they believe in and live with greater confidence.

When you zoom out far enough, both efforts are acts of optimism. They’re based on the belief that patient, intentional work today can create something meaningful tomorrow—even if we don’t see the full results ourselves.

Comparison: Coral Restoration and Long-term Investing

For illustrative purposes only; not indicative of actual investment results.

A Final Reflection

Learning more about my friend’s work with coral restoration reminds me that important work rarely looks dramatic in the moment. It’s quiet. It’s consistent. And it’s grounded in preparation for conditions that are unknowable by nature.

As we look ahead to a year that may bring uncertainty in the markets, this perspective feels especially relevant.

Confidence doesn’t mean pretending challenges won’t come. It means trusting the long-term strategy you’ve built—especially when conditions are less than ideal. In coral restoration, staying the course through unpredictable seasons is what allows reefs to recover and strengthen. In investing, the same principle applies.

The investors who tend to fare best over time aren’t the ones who react most quickly, they’re the ones who remain committed to a sound plan when it matters most.

That’s the role of long-term investing: not to eliminate uncertainty, but to help you move forward with clarity and confidence despite it.

Because meaningful growth—whether in the ocean or in your financial life—requires patience, resilience, and trust in the process.

Disclosure: The commentary expressed herein reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of Johnson Bixby employees and is not necessarily that of Private Client Services, LLC and should not be construed as investment advice. The views expressed are subject to change at any time without notice. Stephen is referenced for illustrative purposes only and no compensation was provided.

Johnson Bixby and Private Client Services do not offer tax or legal advice. Always consult a tax or legal professional regarding your individual situation. Nothing in this article constitutes personalized investment advice, an offer, or solicitation to buy or sell any specific security or adopt any specific investment strategy. Any reference to specific securities or performance is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation.

Investing in securities involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Diversification does not ensure against loss.

Advisory services offered through Johnson Bixby, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered by Registered Representatives through Private Client Services. Member FINRA/SIPC.