Mild corrections to the overall stock market are normal and even healthy in the long term. Unlike more severe corrections or downturns, these mild ones can be expected to occur annually. So, if you’re not expecting a drop of 5% or 10% or 15% in a single day to occur once per year, you’re living in an investing fantasyland. Although fun, such places aren’t useful for long term investing success — clear your thinking, diversify your portfolio, manage your risk prudently, and invest boldly.