When investors invest in the stock market for the long term, it’s important to acknowledge that profits are never guaranteed. While many times the market trends upward, there will always be periods when things don't go as expected. Such challenges are an inherent part of stock investing. For example, one of the darkest moments in investing can be having to sell at a loss or witnessing a company go bankrupt. Both of these situations can be emotionally taxing, but they are part of the risk investors must be willing to accept.

That's why I always strive to manage my risks carefully. One key strategy is to only invest money I can afford to lose, ensuring that any downturn doesn't jeopardize my financial stability. In addition to that, I focus on diversification—spreading investments across different sectors, asset classes, and geographies. This helps to reduce the impact of any single investment underperforming.

Despite these risk management strategies, it's essential to have a plan for coping with those inevitable dark moments. When the market turns, I stay calm and try to make rational decisions rather than emotional ones. If the price of a stock I believe in drops significantly, I consider averaging down by buying more shares at the lower price. This helps reduce my overall cost basis, assuming I still believe in the company’s long-term prospects.

Sometimes, when my emotions are running high, I also use adaptive strategies to maintain my mental well-being. For instance, I may hide the visibility of certain stocks in my trading apps. This keeps me from obsessively checking them and getting caught up in the moment. Additionally, I turn to other activities that I find enjoyable—whether it’s spending time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, or simply focusing on things outside of investing. This mental reset can help me regain perspective and avoid making impulsive decisions.

While the market can be challenging, the current bullish trend in the S&P 500 has made many investors profitable, and for now, the overall sentiment remains positive. However, I remain cautious. The market can shift quickly, and even during periods of optimism, it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. By sticking to a disciplined approach, managing risks effectively, and having strategies for coping with volatility, I believe investors can navigate both the highs and lows of stock investing with greater resilience.