[Post Record] Thoughts on Variable X

"Sunny Farming" is about maintaining a positive mindset, working diligently like a farmer while continuously learning; "Variable X" represents the understanding of uncertainty and complexity. Here, I document the process of thinking and the evolution of cognition.
Today marks exactly three months since arriving in CQ. I hope to use this as a starting point to create a record thread, sharing my investment journey, reflections, and growth from naively entering the market during the 2020 pandemic to now, as I approach graduation with a Ph.D.
2020: The "First Stock Market Experience" During the Pandemic
Rewind to 2020—I was still a junior in college. The pandemic slowed many things down but also gave me the opportunity to explore the stock market. Looking back, I was probably like many beginners: driven by curiosity about wealth growth and a small desire to "earn some pocket money," I plunged headfirst into this unpredictable and alluring market. My initial moves involved following rumors and chasing trends, with my account balance fluctuating like a rollercoaster, and my emotions followed suit. Short-lived profits brought fleeting excitement, but more often, I faced anxiety from volatility and confusion after losses.
Stumbling Forward: Progress Through Learning and Reflection
Over time, and with the market’s harsh lessons, I gradually realized that investing isn’t just about buying and selling—it requires systematic knowledge, rational analysis, and a steady mindset. So, I started trying to learn: I tackled some investment classics, attempting to understand different investment philosophies. Practice and Review: I began focusing on company fundamentals, trying to read financial statements, and even dabbled in technical indicators. But the hardest part was developing my own judgment logic and overcoming psychological biases. Lurking on Forums: I read many veterans’ posts, which were incredibly helpful, and I slowly recognized the importance of independent thinking.
Especially after entering my Ph.D. program, I felt that academic training subtly influenced my investment mindset.
Logic and Falsification: For any investment thesis, I habitually sought both supporting and opposing evidence.
Long-Term Perspective: Research itself is a long-term commitment fraught with uncertainty, which helped me better embrace "long-termism" and "dancing with uncertainty" in investing. Of course, academic pressure sometimes made me more risk-conscious.
Now: Reflections on "Sunny Farming" and "Variable X"
After years of exploration, I’m probably still just a novice in the stock market, but compared to the beginning, I’ve definitely changed:
A Basic Framework: I’ve gradually developed some investment principles and preferences, though I know they’re far from mature.
A Shift in Mindset: I’ve become more composed about market fluctuations, better understanding that both gains and losses are part of investing. I’ve started valuing the process over just the outcome.
The Core of Cognition: I increasingly believe that investing is ultimately about monetizing one’s understanding of business, the world, and even human nature. This "Variable X" is constantly changing, and only through continuous learning and thinking can we adapt.
The Future: Documenting, Exchanging, and Growing Together
My Ph.D. journey is nearing its end, a new chapter of life is about to begin, and the road of investing remains long.
Starting this "Sunny Farming Record" is about creating a space for learning and documenting, tracking my cognitive evolution.
The path ahead is long and challenging, but step by step, we’ll get there. I look forward to walking this path with fellow travelers, "sunny farming" without pause, advancing through reflection!