Few investing situations feel better — or more stressful — than owning a stock that has doubled or tripled. On paper, it looks like a clear win. Your capital has worked hard. Your patience has paid off. Yet instead of calm confidence, many investors feel a creeping sense of unease. Friends tell you to “lock it in,” headlines warn that markets are overheated, and the fear of giving back gains quietly takes centre stage. But selling just because a stock has gone up can be as dangerous as holding blindly. Let us break down when taking profits can be the right call — and when holding could lead to even better long-term returns.

Why Big Gains Trigger the Urge to Sell

The urge to sell a big winner rarely comes from spreadsheets, but psychology. Loss aversion is the biggest driver. Once gains are visible, investors become more focused on protecting them than on maximising long-term returns....