Good thing to realize. However, bear in mind, three additional things.

Stocks (except some) are not compounded. They are capital gains or loss. They can act like compound but are not.

Even with compound,ing you have to look at the future value of your money.
40K in 30 years is about 20K now.
Point being, invest more than the minimum.

Diversify. Not everything will do well over the years.