Ok, ok.
I just realized something. From growing big, already big, or just amateur, all of these types of people make the SAME EXACT type of mistakes, and the same exact gains in the stock market.
For example, Bill Gates.
He gains by:
Long-term investments
He doesn’t do short-term investments
He DOESN’T take any huge risks
But why?
See, the stock market has a pattern.
Long term investments always, all the time, have a profit. Short term investments have a much less chance of a profit.
It rewards discipline. It punishes emotion.
The Pattern of the Stock Market
Patience beats prediction.
You don’t have to outsmart the market. You just have to outlast it.Compounding rewards time, not timing.
Big gains come not from jumping in and out, but from letting your investments grow undisturbed — often for decades.Volatility is the price of admission.
Everyone — from rookies to the elite — experiences dips, fear, and crashes. What separates them is how they react. Gates doesn’t panic sell. Neither should anyone else trying to build real wealth.The market is a mirror.
It reflects your behavior. If you're greedy, impulsive, impatient — you’ll likely lose. But if you're calm, consistent, and strategic — you'll win over time.Risk is not taking a risk — it’s not understanding the game.
Gates doesn't avoid risk; he manages it. He studies what he owns, diversifies, and invests in businesses with real cash flow and competitive advantages. That's not fear — that's wisdom.
So, Here’s the Core Truth:
From small investors to the world’s richest, the gains come from the same habits:
Long-term thinking
Ignoring noise
Owning quality assets
Letting time do the heavy lifting
The difference is: Amateurs think they need a shortcut. Pros know there isn’t one.
Now, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t do anything risky at all, you definitely should. But what I’ve learned the hard by losing a shit ton of money is that you can’t predict the market. No matter how high the chances are of something happening, let it be a bullish or a bearish, the opposite can happen.
Where Should I Be Investing My Money?
When deciding where to invest, it’s important to focus on a diversified mix of asset classes that match your risk tolerance and long-term financial goals. For most investors, broad-market index funds like the S&P 500 offer a solid foundation for growth, providing exposure to the top companies in the U.S. economy with low fees. You can also consider total market funds to gain even broader exposure, including small- and mid-cap companies. However, investing in individual stocks can be very risky, especially if you’re not familiar with the companies you’re investing in or the broader market conditions. For more stability, bonds or bond funds can help balance risk, particularly as you approach retirement. Dividend stocks and REITs provide the opportunity for steady income while still participating in growth, making them a great choice for those seeking both cash flow and long-term appreciation. If you’re looking to diversify globally, consider adding international or emerging markets funds to your portfolio. And remember, investing in yourself through education or skills development often provides the highest return on investment over time. A smart, well-rounded investment strategy is key to building wealth steadily and avoiding the temptation to chase short-term gains.
So, in conclusion, you should be investing in something that can match your risk tolerance. But you should definitely invest in broad market index funds for a long period of time if you want some guaranteed money.
Remember, PATIENCE IS KEY. Yes, you might be looking at the news and be like, they’re all saying Tesla is 100% going to go up, which it probably will. But see, when you make one good decision in a short time, people tend to get overconfident, like I did, and make a big investment based on what friends and other people are saying, which they will then realize that big investments over a long period of time, which obviously I haven’t done yet, since I only have near 6 years of worthy experience in the stock market. I have invested a big amount of money in S&P 500, and lemme tell you, I’m making BANK.
Now, again, just trust time. I am writing this to try and convince you to not lose your money. Take it calm. Take it easy. Slow and steady wins the race.