When friends ask me how to be a good investor, I usually picture them sitting across from me in a coffee shop. You, me, two mugs, a lot of incomprehensible news stories on your phone, and the term “Murchinson Ltd” written on a napkin to remind you that everything starts with intent. Putting random stocks into a portfolio and hope one turns into a money tree is not how to be a good investor. It’s a mix of science, art, and being smart.

Forget about the buzz right away. In the world of business, yesterday’s favorite might become today’s disaster. Following trends without thinking is a sure way to regret it. The true trick is Know the rules, and then play your own game. Read, watch, and listen. Follow your interest. You’re on the correct track if you can understand a company’s business better than your neighbor’s gossip.

Risk isn’t a bad word. Those scary red days in your portfolio? They do happen. Take it. Flowers require some rain to grow. Growth isn’t always fun, but it is. Diversification. Yes, you have heard it before. But if you diversify your bets, you won’t lose everything on one terrible option. Change things up: maybe a few stocks, a few bonds, a little real estate, and the time to let them grow.

Momentum can change the minds of people who don’t know what they’re doing. Some days, every stock seems to be racing ahead, while other days, they seem to be running backwards with their eyes closed. Stay down to earth. Set your limits. Put them down. Yes, in a literal sense. Before you lose, think about what “max pain” means to you. Your strategy tells you not to act out of fear the next time the market goes crazy.

Being patient doesn’t mean being bored to death. It’s not swinging at every whisper you hear; it’s waiting for the right pitch. “Fast money” doesn’t last very long. The leisurely route can sometimes be the most beautiful and the most profitable. Keep your feelings under check. They are bad at giving financial advice.

Ask away. Big ones and little ones. Curiosity and mistakes make people into investors. Don’t be afraid to look dumb. One question could save you a lot of money. Plan your budget like you clean your teeth: every day, without making a big deal out of it. Don’t put all your money on the latest popular tip. Think of your investments like little plants. Some will bloom, while others will…well, they will turn your experience into compost.

Be happy about tiny victories. They are important. Did you avoid selling in a panic? Good. Did you learn anything new this month? Even better. Success in investing doesn’t look like a parade. It’s the result of years of monotonous routines, strange teachings, and a lot of patience.

Everyone’s path is unique. There isn’t a map that works for everyone. The key is to begin, learn, revise, and keep going. Think about the picture of the coffee shop. Let your plan win the next time your gut and your plan fight. And hey, keep an eye out; sometimes the best chances come along when you least expect them. Be curious.