Imposter Syndrome: noun: a psychological condition that is characterized by persistent doubt concerning one's abilities or accomplishments accompanied by the fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of one's ongoing success. Merriam-Webster

Said more succinctly and artistically by David Byrne “And you may tell yourself, This is not my beautiful house. And you may tell yourself, This is not my beautiful wife.” 1980 Talking Heads.

Hard work, luck: nature or nurture. What makes us successful and how do you define success? Ramblings of an old man? Maybe, or just random thoughts, musings, or reminiscences of the past.

My grandparents arrived in this country in the early part of the of the 20th century. Members of our family have fought in all of this country’s wars, beginning with my mother’s father in the Great War, WWI; my Dad and uncles were in service during the Second World War, cousins in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. Our family came to this country, like so many of yours, for the economic opportunities that this country offered. They worked hard. My father’s father spent his working life in the Union Stock Yards of Chicago, made infamous by Upton Sinclair. My mother’s father sold produce from a pushcart through the south side streets of Chicago, worked as a janitor, farmer, and in Illinois’ coal mines to provide for his family. My father worked as a pressman on machines as long as a city block, producing color print for advertising used in a variety of industries. My generation became “educated”, working behind a desk. Easy work compared to previous generations, yet more economically beneficial.

My family, like so many of yours, took full advantage of the opportunities presented to them by this country and generation after generation slowly but methodically progressed economically. Hard work, luck: nature or nurture? Maybe a bit of it all.

One trait that I have observed in successful people is their ability to look long-term. To swap short term discomfort for long term gain. Deferring to a spouse to preserve family harmony, putting in the hours for career advancement or to make their business a success, consistently investing in accounts to ensure a comfortable retirement. Short term pain for long term growth.

By the time you read this letter many of you will have cast your ballot in the November election. Half of you will be disappointed by its outcome. Either way, win or lose, the country will go on, we will all go on, and move forward.

The economy will continue, technology will advance, and the markets will provide economic opportunity. Keep calm, keep the faith and remember, we do this all over again in 4 years.

We continue to believe that patience and a long-term perspective will provide our clients the best probability of reaching their goals and objectives.

As always, we thank you for your business and for your continued trust.

Sincerely,

Jack P. Cannata