Really like this topic, AD! We can all definitely learn a lot from our negative experiences, weaknesses, etc.
For me personally... as a 'rookie' in the stock game (I've been at this 17 months now), I think I've made two big mistakes. One... I didn't have true exit strategies. If a stock would take a dive, I would just wait it out in hopes of better days down the road... and would attempt to average down, etc. And as a result, I have several 'dead money' plays. Call it false hope, ego, or flat out being stubborn... I was just refusing to sell at a loss.
The other so-called mistake would be my obsession, and I truly mean obsession, with free shares! In my portfolio, I have 13 stocks running on free shares. It's something I've been very proud of... but something that hasn't resulted in any real cash yet -- which should obviously be the real goal.
So in terms of personal faults... I really need to learn to 'limit my losses' and move ahead towards another trade scenario.
Well, that's pretty much my deal from my limited experience investing. Any feedback from the veterans is always welcomed!
Thanks! Have a good one! :-D ATM
-CP