I believe the gold is there indeed, but there is surely no shortcut to it.
Getting your emotions under control as you describe is also only achieved over time. As you say...I think we've all been there where you got that pit in the stomach...lol. This is the first time for me to not hit "panic-stations" when the market does its thing. I'm still going ..." oh oh...here we go", but at least I'm not losing any sleep over it.
Belief is powerful and it is a far better motivator than money,
I totally agree with this statement. When money is the motivator you get...
kicked around like a football from one end of the field to the other and back
as you put it.
Do you find this an interesting evolution I yourself?
I think culture these days encourages emotional immaturity and outbursts for attention. It doesn't make for a strong investor mindset.
I find it very interesting. Although nothing tangible, it makes me feel like I am experiencing growth as a person. I become mentally stronger and capable of making more informed decisions of my own.
You couldn't have said this better. And only by taking responsibility for your own personal growth, can you know the difference between noise with no substance versus who and what you need to pay attention to. And this is crucial in developing a strong investor mindset.
Do you find this an interesting evolution I yourself?
I think culture these days encourages emotional immaturity and outbursts for attention. It doesn't make for a strong investor mindset.