Every investor has their own strategies, methods, and techniques to achieving success. Though despite these differences, all successful investors share the same distinct traits which truly separate them from the herd. The five traits of a successful investor are:

Highly disciplined and committed

Discipline is the backbone of a successful investor. Being highly disciplined means you are committed to your efforts so that you are always prepared. If you want to be successful in the stock market, you need to commit to it. There is no such thing as a free lunch. Successful investors don’t let the hurdles such as previous investing failures get in their way, and neither should you. If you know how to invest properly, discipline and commitment will ultimately be your gateway to success.

Invests without emotion

Emotions are the handicap of the novice investor. Successful investors know that rational investing is fundamental, so they disregard their emotions while analyzing their investments positions, decisions, and ideas. If emotions are thrown into consideration while investing, the thought process of a rational investor becomes clouded and often leads to failure.

Always up to date with the market

A funny thing about the stock market is that everybody has the same information, but everybody interprets it differently. Successful investors are always up to date about the current market by using unbiased financial media sources to get their information. The stock market is full of variables that can drastically influence market prices, so staying on top of those variables is crucial.

Possesses a realistic outlook on investing

Having a realistic outlook on investing and success coincides with being highly disciplined and committed. Successful investors understand that they probably will not become the next Warren Buffet, by which I mean they won’t make astronomical returns on their investments. However, humble expectations often lead to high returns, as an investor without excessive greed will have a clear state of mind and will invest properly.

Always has a plan

Not having a plan while you invest is like a coach telling his players “Just go out there and win”. Sure, if you’re lucky and/or naturally talented enough, you might make a few successful investments, but this plan (or lack of) hardly is effective in the long term. Successful investors understand the importance of having a plan. They know where they want to get in, where they want to get out, what they will do if something changes or goes wrong, and what their goals ultimately are. Having a plan keeps an investor focused so that they will stay rational while they invest.