7 Essential Traits to Become a Great Investor — The Real Secret Is Not Just Knowledge, But Self-Discipline
•By Mahersaham Team
Artikel ini juga tersedia dalam Bahasa Melayu
Loading...
Many people think that to succeed in investing, you just need to know how to read charts, memorise financial reports, or follow viral stock tips. But according to renowned investment expert Jason Zweig, all of that is only a small part. In his article titled "The Seven Virtues of Great Investors", Zweig explains that what separates ordinary investors from great investors is actually attitude and self-discipline. To survive in the world of investing, it is not enough to be clever — you need strong character and the right mindset.
1. Curiosity — Never Stop Learning
Great investors always have a sense of curiosity. They are never easily satisfied. They love digging for information, asking questions, and studying new things — whether it is about the economy, companies, market trends, or anything that helps them understand more deeply. Why is this important? Our knowledge always has limits. If we stop learning, we will fall behind — because the stock market is constantly changing.
2. Scepticism — Do Not Be Easily Deceived
In the world of investing, many people are skilled at selling stories. Sometimes it looks like sincere advice, but there is a hidden agenda behind it. A wise investor must be sceptical — meaning, do not believe everything at face value. Research, question, and verify before making any decisions.
3. Independence — Make Your Own Decisions
Following friends, following Facebook groups, following someone else''s buy calls — that is the easiest path, but the most dangerous one.
Jason Zweig says, "An independent mindset is the most valuable asset." This means we must have the courage to think for ourselves, make decisions based on our own research and conviction — not because everyone else is buying or selling.
4. Humility — Recognise How Much You Do Not Know
Great investors know they do not know everything. They are always aware that in the stock market, no one is right 100% of the time. Humility does not mean lacking confidence — it means being aware of our weaknesses, always ready to learn and accept mistakes.
5. Discipline — Have a System, Do Not Follow Emotions
Many investors fail because they follow emotions — when prices rise, greed takes over; when prices fall, panic sets in.
But successful investors have discipline. They follow a system, have a plan, and set their own rules. For example, Warren Buffett deliberately stays far from Wall Street so he is not influenced by the ''noise'' of the market.
6. Patience — Investing Is Not a Get-Rich-Quick Scheme
Zweig reminds us that proper investing is not for a day or two. The results come after years — like a tree, you plant it today, and the fruits come later.
Many fail because they lack patience. They want quick profits, and end up trapped with ''scam'' stocks or lose money because of hasty decisions.
7. Courage — Take Action When Others Are Afraid
The stock market is full of fear — economic downturns, financial crises, plummeting share prices.
But successful investors are not fearless; they are human too. The difference is, they still have the courage to act when they are confident, even when everyone else is panicking.
Becoming a great investor is not just about technical knowledge, but about discipline, emotional control, and patience. These seven traits are the foundation that separates ordinary investors from those who are consistently successful in the long run.
The most important trait is emotional control and discipline. Many investors fail not because they lack knowledge, but because they cannot control their fear and greed when making investment decisions.
Developing good investor traits is an ongoing process. On average, investors need at least 1-2 years of active experience to build solid discipline and emotional control in investing.
Yes, absolutely. Many successful investors come from diverse backgrounds. What matters is the willingness to learn, discipline in following a strategy, and patience in waiting for investment results to bear fruit.
The best way is to set a clear investment plan before entering the market, including a stop loss limit and profit target. With a well-structured plan, you make decisions based on logic rather than emotion.
The right attitude is the foundation of investment success. If you are ready to start investing with solid discipline, the next step is to open an account and learn the basics of stock investing.
Open your CDS account today through our step-by-step guide here to start investing in the stock market.
Download our free stock basics ebook to learn the fundamentals of stock investing from the ground up.