This is a confession post of an undisciplined investor that sought to cut corners in investing. From what you already know, the market is ruthless and it only reflects your performance to the amount of work you put in. Once you are complacent and assume that you are better at beating the market, it will whip you till you beg for mercy.
Being a young investor, similar to all beginners, I had beginner's luck (sort of). I made some wise investment decisions and made a decent rate of return. While it is not fantastic, I am still proud as I had beaten the market average.
However as time passes, I began to slack off and took shortcuts in evaluating my investment choices. I was not prudent in checking the ratios and analysing the company's strengths and weaknesses. The market knew it and began its punishment.
Slowly, it took away my ......