There are essentially two different mindsets that are absolutely detrimental for those who are interested in investing. The first is that of a first time investor who has absolutely no confidence in his or her ability but desperately wants to invest. These are the types of investors who continuously sit on the fence and want constant hand holding. If you are this type of investor the best thing for you to do is get your feet wet.
Seriously, rather than staying on the sidelines and watching others make and lose fortunes you will never find out if you have what it takes if you cannot bring yourself to make your first trade. Don't you think it is time to make your money work for you? The best weapon you have against fear is knowledge. Read, study, and obtain the knowledge you need in order to feel confident of your ability to not only trade, but also trade successfully.
The best defense has always been a good offense. With that in mind, make the trades you need to make in order to establish a decent track record. Stick with conservative trades until you have a little nest egg and are willing to take a few risks. You should also understand that all investors will encounter speed bumps along the way. If you have a well-diversified portfolio you should be able to weather them well and come out even if not ahead.
The second type of personality that isn't ready for the business of investing is the procrastinator. If this is you there is only one way to break the cycle-get out there and do something. If you keep putting off your investment strategies until tomorrow you will wake up one day to find that your nest egg hasn't grown at all and it is time to cash in. There is a saying about how doing the same thing you are already doing will get you exactly where you are. Isn't it time you started doing something a little different? You cannot put off the act of living forever or you will find that you have never really taken the chance to enjoy life to its fullest.
While I wish there were all kinds of baby steps you could take to put off the procrastination (okay I couldn't resist) but really the only thing you can do when it comes to procrastination and investing is to just do it. Once you take the steps and begin the investing process you will find a new awareness and new interest in your financial future. Your procrastination will quickly be replaced by eagerness and anticipation.
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