The First Time I Earned Profit from an Investment and What I Did Right
When I first started investing in early 2020, I didn’t expect much. My capital was small, my experience was limited, and I had more doubts than confidence. But a few weeks in, I earned my first real profit. It wasn’t huge—just around $6—but it felt like I had unlocked something powerful.
That moment shifted how I saw investing, and in this article, I’ll share exactly what I did right, what I learned, and how small wins build big momentum.
Setting My Expectations Realistically
Before I put any money into the market, I made a promise to myself: "This isn’t about getting rich overnight." I didn’t want to fall into the trap of hype or gambling behavior. My goal was simple—learn by doing, protect my capital, and track everything I tried.
This mindset kept me grounded. I wasn’t chasing 100% returns. I was chasing progress, not perfection.
Choosing a Stock I Actually Understood
I picked a company I knew well—a local e-commerce platform I had used for years. I understood how they made money, how they grew, and what risks they faced. I wasn’t relying on random tips or social media hype.
I bought two small shares at a time when the stock was slightly down. Within a few days, the price recovered and jumped. I sold after a modest 12% gain, just to experience a complete trade cycle.
What I Did Right (Even by Accident)
- I invested with purpose. I didn’t just buy a stock—I chose a business I trusted.
- I stayed calm. I didn’t panic during small drops, and I didn’t get greedy during gains.
- I kept a journal. I wrote down why I bought, when I bought, and how I felt after selling.
- I reviewed my decision, not just the result. Even if I had lost money, I would still have seen it as a success if I followed a solid process.
Lessons From My First Profit
Here’s what I took away from that moment:
- Profit is the result of process, not luck.
- Confidence grows from experience, not theory. Reading is important, but doing is where the magic happens.
- Small wins build real momentum. That $6 gave me more energy and clarity than 6 hours of watching financial YouTubers.
What I Did Next
Instead of jumping into bigger risks, I scaled slowly. I reinvested my gains, tried different sectors, and started tracking performance over weeks, not hours. I avoided day trading and focused on long-term thinking.
I also made mistakes later—but that first win gave me a baseline of belief: *I can do this.*
My Advice to First-Time Investors
- Celebrate your first gain—even if it's small. It’s a sign that your system works.
- Don’t let early wins inflate your ego. Stay humble. Stick to your process.
- Track everything. The more you reflect, the faster you improve.
- Invest in businesses, not symbols. Know what you’re buying into.
Final Thoughts
My first profit didn’t change my life financially—but it changed my mindset. It transformed investing from something abstract into something real and empowering. If you’re just starting, don’t wait for the “perfect moment.” Get your hands in the game, track what you’re doing, and grow from every decision.
Every big journey starts with a small win. That win is waiting for you too. 💡
Ayzalme
Just a calm man, enthusiast for investing and technology.