It has been a little over 10 years since I first began to invest in US stock market.

Got the first barrel of gold during the 1st 5 years, lost quite a bit in bear market of 2001-2002 by holding 100% high tech stocks. Recovered some losses in 2003, began to reshuffle the holdings in late 2003 and 2004 to dump the high techs, loaded slowly with a bag of conventional stocks. The portfolios has been making new highs since 2004.

Next 10 year targets:
1. Stock portfolios grow to $10M+.
2. Invest in RE market with the home equity line to feel how deep the water is.

The lesson learned:
1. Don't give up. When I had bad years, I never thought to quit the market. If I quit, the losses will not be recovered for my life span.
2. Don't rush. The moments I rushed in some particular stocks, it was time for them to be down. So wait patiently to get in the stocks I want to buy.
3. Don't time the market. When I tried to time, I usually was reclined to get in being afraid of losing.
4. Invest for long term. Day trading is too time consuming and stressful, it is good to accumulate the first barrel of gold, but the risk of losing my shirt is high too. 90%+ day traders, or short term traders lose money.