How to Turn Your Passions Into Profits
Harness Your Passions to Become a Better Investor
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Ever thought your love for real estate, tech gadgets, or even your favorite baseball team could give you an edge in the stock market?
Well… today I am going to try to convince you that your passions are your secret weapon as an investor. By leaning into what excites you, you can dive deeper into understanding the companies you invest in, making smarter decisions that could pay off big.
This idea, championed by the legendary Peter Lynch, is especially powerful in today’s wild 2025 market, where tariffs and economic twists are sending stocks on a rollercoaster ride. With the S&P 500 dipping into correction territory and the NASDAQ dropping over 17% from its peak, now is the perfect time to avoid the noise and focus on what you know and love.
Let’s explore how to harness your passions and become a better investor.
Why Passion Matters in Today’s Crazy Market
In 2025, the market is anything but calm. Tariffs, policy changes, and global uncertainties have stocks swinging wildly. Just look at the numbers: the S&P 500 hit correction territory in March, and the small-cap Russell 2000 has slid into bear market territory with a 20% drop (U.S. Bank Market Correction).
This kind of volatility can be daunting, but it’s also why investing in what you’re passionate about is so crucial right now. When you’re excited about a company, you’re more likely to dig into how it makes money, check its financial health, and keep up with its plans. That knowledge is your shield against market chaos, helping you spot opportunities and avoid pitfalls others might miss.
My Passion-Driven Investments
As someone who geeks out over real estate, technology, and sports, I’ve found that investing in these areas keeps me engaged and informed. Here’s a peek at my favorite picks and why they spark my interest:
Real Estate (REITs): I’m obsessed with Agree Realty Corporation (ADC). They own retail properties leased to big-name tenants like Walmart, Home Depot, Tractor Supply, and T.J. Maxx. While the rest of the market is all over the place, their stock just hit an all-time high. It’s exciting to see their strategy in action as they pick high-quality tenants to weather retail storms.
Technology: Google (Alphabet Inc., GOOGL) is my tech crush. From AI to Waymo’s self-driving cars, their innovation keeps me hooked. While their stock price is down with most other tech stocks this year, they consistently report revenue jumps quarter after quarter.
Sports and Real Estate: As a sports fan, Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. (BATRK) could be a home run. They own the Braves baseball team and The Battery Atlanta, a cool mixed-use development around Truist Park. I love cheering for the team and tracking The Battery’s growth. I admit this is a new stock for me so I’ll be slowly building my position as I continue to dig in. A learn-as-I-go approach!
How to Know if You are Really “Invested”
Here’s my little trick to know if I’m truly “invested” - I check how excited I am for a company’s earnings call.
If I’m pumped to hear ADC talk about new properties or Google dish on AI, I know I’m in the right place. But if I’m dreading a call, it’s a sign I might not care enough about that stock and lack the knowledge I need to make a sound investment.
Keeping Your Passions in Check
There is a word of warning when it comes to following your heart…
While Peter Lynch’s philosophy, as outlined in One Up On Wall Street, heavily emphasizes the benefits of investing in companies you know, that’s really only half of the equation. He goes on to say “Know what you own, and know why you own it.”
Loving what you invest in is great, but it can also lead to trouble if you get too attached without understanding the why behind the investment. Investing without the research can quickly turn into emotional investing.
Emotional investing refers to the tendency to make investment decisions based on emotions rather than objective analysis. This behavior often results in buying high during market euphoria and selling low during panics.
Obviously, emotional investing can cloud your judgment. Take Bed Bath & Beyond for example. My wife and I had our wedding registry there. It seemed like every new retail strip had one right there beside T.J. Maxx, right? But who knew the go-to destination for home goods would hit rough waters and file for bankruptcy.
Even now with BATRK stock, my Braves fandom could make me overlook financial red flags. Research shows that emotional attachment can lead to holding onto losing stocks or making rash trades. It’s like refusing to bench your favorite player even when they’re striking out!
So, How Do You Stay Passionate Without Letting Emotions Take Over?
Here are my go-to tips:
Mix it Up: Don’t put all your money in one passion. I balance my love for tech with real estate and other sectors to spread the risk.
Set Rules: Decide what makes a good investment—like steady revenue or a consistently growing dividend.
Check in Regularly: I review my portfolio every few months to make sure I’m not holding onto stocks just because I love the company.
Avoid the Noise: Don’t let brand hype speak louder than business fundamentals.
Get a Second Opinion: If I’m too attached, I ask a friend or read contrarian articles for a reality check. It’s like having a coach to keep you focused.
A Lesson from My Portfolio
This week I made a couple moves in my portfolio because I realized that I didn’t know the why behind a few of companies.
I sold Pfizer (PFE) and LyondellBasell (LYB), both with juicy dividends—around 7.7% for PFE and 9.5% for LYB.
But here’s the thing…
I didn’t really understand their businesses. Pfizer’s drug pipelines and LyondellBasell’s chemical operations felt like a foreign language, and I had zero motivation to dig deeper. When I noticed I had never listened to one of their earnings calls, I knew it was time to let go. Selling those stocks freed up cash to invest in companies I’m genuinely excited about, like ADC and GOOGL.
It was a reminder that passion drives engagement, and engagement drives better decisions.
Ready to Turn Your Passions into Profits?
Find Your Spark: What industries or companies get you excited? Maybe it’s fashion, gaming, or renewable energy.
Do Your Homework: Research the company’s business model and financials. Passion alone isn’t enough!
Start Small: Dip your toes in with a small investment to test the waters.
Stay Curious: Keep up with news and earnings calls to stay in the know.
Watch Your Heart: Make decisions based on facts, not just feelings.
The Wrap Up
In a market as crazy as 2025’s, leaning into your passions can be your investing superpower. By focusing on what you love—like I do with Agree Realty, Google, and the Braves—you can gain insights that help you navigate volatility.
Just be careful not to fall too hard for your stocks. Diversify, set clear rules, and keep your emotions in check!
So let me ask, what are you passionate about?
Jeremy ✌️
Before you leave…
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. I am not a financial advisor, broker, or tax professional. The information provided reflects my personal opinions and experiences as an individual investor and may not be accurate or current. All investment strategies and investments involve risk of loss. Any ideas presented may not be suitable for all investors and may not take into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation, or needs. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always conduct your own due diligence and consult with qualified financial professionals before making any investment decisions.
A good read … I’ve followed my passion in some of my investments without thinking about the ‘why’