As an amateur investor, I have to constantly remind myself that successful investing isn’t about mimicking others’ trades. While some may have success with certain strategies, it’s crucial to develop my own investment approach based on thorough research and your financial goals.

Mimicking others' trades can be risky for several reasons:

1. Lack of Understanding: When following someone else's trades, I might not fully understand the rationale behind their decisions. This can lead to poor investment choices if the market conditions change or if the original trader's strategy doesn't align with your financial goals.

2. Timing Issues: The person I am mimicking might have access to information or insights that I don't. By the time I act on their trades, the opportunity might have passed, leading to suboptimal results.

3. Different Risk Tolerance: Everyone has a different risk tolerance. A trade that fits someone else's risk profile might not be suitable for me. This can lead to significant losses if the trade goes against me.

4. Overconfidence: Relying on others' trades can create a false sense of security. I might become overconfident and take on more risk than I should, which can be detrimental in the long run.

5. Lack of Diversification: Mimicking trades can lead to a lack of diversification in my portfolio. If I follow a single trader or a small group of traders, I might end up with a concentrated portfolio that is vulnerable to specific market risks.

6. Emotional Investing: Following others can lead to emotional investing. I might make impulsive decisions based on fear of missing out (FOMO) or panic selling, which can harm my investment returns.

Having said that, I will still take reference to investment gurus but consider the following key points.

1. Understand Their Strategy: Know their unique approaches and how they align with my goals.

2. Adapt to My Situation: Tailor their principles to fit my financial situation and goals.

3. Long-Term vs. Short-Term: Ensure comfort with the time horizon of their strategies.

4. Diversification: Maintain a balanced portfolio to manage risk.

5. Continuous Learning: Follow their educational materials for deeper insights.

6. Ethical Considerations: Align investments with my values.

7. Market Conditions: Be aware of how changing conditions might impact their strategies.

8. Risk Management: Incorporate their risk management techniques.

9. Avoid Blind Imitation: Focus on understanding the principles behind their decisions.

This should help me keep their wisdom in perspective while tailoring it to my own investment journey.