'There have been two periods since WW2 where the S&P was essentially flat for the whole time period:

1929-1952
1969-1982
2000-2013'

I remember in 2010 being so frustrated with pain from the.com bust and the GFC and the 'lost decade' despite being a pretty good saver and steady investor. Stark contrast to my father's value portfolio had compounded nicely for 17 years starting with the early Reagan years. However, this period and frustration also led me to start investing in BRK and thoroughly reading everything Buffett- letters and all the essential books and I experienced true enlightenment. The pain and adversity ultimately became a real blessing. Fortunately, it's been a fun ride since that lost decade and a great lesson in learning, patience, discipline and temperament which I hope to pass along to the kids.