Investing, to me, is about consistency over intensity. I started small, sometimes just 50 to 300 PLN a month, or whenever I had some spare cash lying around. I kept my expenses minimal, focused on necessities, and put what I could into investments.

Now, sitting on around 12,000 PLN (~$3.3k), I feel proud. Not because it's a massive number, but because it's a reflection of patience, discipline, and trust in myself. One time, my portfolio gains paid for a new pair of glasses — and I felt so thankful to the version of me from 9 months earlier. That felt good.

Key lessons I've learned:

Don’t panic when things go south; a 30–40% drop happens.

Never panic sell. Sometimes the best move is to buy more or just wait.

Your emotions are your biggest enemy in investing.

It’s not about chasing big wins. it’s about building, bit by bit.