This year has been pivotal in many ways. Starting my YouTube channel has not only transformed how I view investing but also how I approach personal growth. By tracking and sharing the returns of every stock featured, I’ve shown that profitable investing is both achievable and rewarding. Surprisingly, my biggest wins came from markets many dismissed as boring (Singapore) or uninvestable (Hong Kong).
At home, my kids have been my greatest teachers. We celebrated five award ceremonies this year—four for my son and one for my daughter. Watching my son’s trailblazing journey has been inspiring. His resilience, determination, and ambition remind me of the boundless possibilities that come from hard work and belief.
These experiences have taught me some powerful lessons this year:
1. The future proves who is right.
Investing is filled with many making bold predictions, but real success is proven over time. It’s easy to preach strategies; delivering consistent results is the real challenge.
- Validate track records: Don’t be swayed by confident forecasts or cherry-picked winners.
- Be patient: The truth is revealed over time. Discernment and persistence always win.
We only know who is right later.
2. Break free from generalizations
The market doesn’t have to perform—you only need a few good ideas to succeed. This year, my biggest wins came from “odd names” like Singapore small caps, Hong Kong contrarian plays, and BTC proxies.
Many investors fall for sweeping assumptions:
- Crypto is speculative. Yet Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana show utility and resilience.
- Chinese stocks are uninvestable. Yet Pop Mart, Xiaomi, Meituan, and PDD are improving profitability despite challenges.
- Singapore stocks are boring. Yet Dyna-Mac, Beng Kuang, Oiltek, and Centurion prove otherwise.
Great companies defy expectations—finding them means going against the crowd. Success often lies where the majority don’t look.
3. Stay open-minded. Keep exploring for alphas.
New opportunities don’t come from old habits. Breaking out of comfort zones is key to discovering potential multi-baggers.
- Challenge biases. Don’t limit yourself to home or identity markets.
- Avoid attachment. Let go of familiar sectors to explore fresh opportunities.
- Stay curious. Study diverse companies across sectors and markets. Strong opinions held loosely allow us to adapt and grow.
Alpha opportunities are rarely obvious. Question your biases, dig deeper, and embrace the noise to uncover hidden gems.
4. Intellect is getting easier and cheaper.
AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity make learning faster, better, and more affordable. YouTube, X.com, Reddit and blogs are also great learning tools.
The wealth of resources leaves no excuses—success is within reach for anyone willing to put in the effort.
5. Reframe imposter syndrome for growth.
I’ve often felt like an imposter—no finance degree, just lessons from trial and error. But I’ve learned to embrace this feeling as a strength.
- Your starting point doesn’t define your destination.
- Imposter syndrome keeps you humble and hungry.
It drives improvement and shows that success isn’t about credentials; it’s about persistence, growth, and doing the work.
6. Efforts required.
Investing isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. The more you study companies and learn from your experiences, the easier it becomes. Success isn’t about shortcuts; it’s about compounding knowledge and actions over time.
7. The bamboo journey
True progress often feels lonely, slow, challenging, stagnation, and even setbacks. Like bamboo, growth requires strong roots and patience. When conditions align, progress can be sudden and exponential.
Do hard things.
Do them your way.
Keep grinding.
Write your story.
Watch: Last Lecture Series: “How to Live an Asymmetric Life,” Graham Weaver (YouTube)
The takeaway
2024 has taught me that success requires effort, belief and resilience. Whether in investing, personal growth, or life, the rewards follow when you stay curious, embrace challenges, and commit to the journey.
Have faith. Start today—your transformation is closer than you think.
Other great materials:
The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin
7 Uncomfortable Truths About Achieving Your Dream Life by Sahil Bloom (YouTube)
