I Hope the Stock Market Crashes Hard

I've experienced enough of that type of volatility. It doesn't rattle me anymore.

I remember when I used to rush to log into my brokerage account while carnage was taking place. Part of me said I should be buying right now, not panicking. However, a persistent fear that a.) it's going to get much worse and b.) it might not get any better, keeps your from pulling the trigger and shakes you out of positions that will ultimately recover and then some.

Powerful psychology works on most of us in those situations. It takes a ton of time to train your brain to work through it. I'm convinced you just have to see the same thing happen - repeatedly - before you make the smart decisions, not ones that your most intense emotions dictate.

In this case, it means taking the next crash or correction in stride: Shake off the initial panic and buy those names you're convinced will lead not only the ensuing rally, but the inevitable bull run to come.

At the time of publication, the author was long AEP, BDX and P. He is long MSG in a custodial account he manages for his minor child. In the next 24-72 hours he may initiate a long position in AAPL, LULU and/or SBUX.

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This article is commentary by an independent contributor, separate from TheStreet's regular news coverage.

Rocco Pendola is a private investor with nearly 20 years experience in various forms of media, ranging from radio to print. His work has appeared in academic journals as well as dozens of online and offline publications. He uses his broad experience to help inform his coverage of the stock market, primarily in the technology, Internet and new media spaces. He has taken a long-term approach to investing, focusing on dividend-paying stocks, since he opened his first account as a teenager. Pendola, 37, is based in Santa Monica, Calif., where he lives with his wife and child.

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