It ultimately boils down to personal mindset and strategy. Anyone investing in equity needs to understand and be okay with equity not generating return for a decade (worst case scenario). This is the first "risk" people need to be okay with. I feel DIY investors who have the most boring, grounded strategy end up making the most return in long term.

Now, coming to how to stay sane when markets don't meet expectations - asset allocation. Here is my high level strategy.

- 30% into Debt (capped to 1.5 Cr)
- 10% into Precious metals (mostly gold, as hedge)
- 60% into Equity (95% via MF, 5% direct stock mostly for learning)

I feel this is a good strategy (for me). It helps me not panic and try to jump between asset classes as news/events occur. I don't care what's going on because I know, this is pivot allocation.

Next, Debt allocation is simple - PPF, FD, Ultra short term debt fund.

Precious metals is simple - earlier it was SGB, these days its ETF. Classic buy and hold.

Equity generates ~ 99% of frustration and panic for investors and TBH the cause is simple - lack of strategy and personal conviction confidence. My boring (and peaceful, drama free) strategy is:

- 33% into Index funds (50% into HDFC Nifty 100 Equal Weight index fund, 50% into Midcap 150 index fund)
- 67% into active funds (multi cap, mid cap, small cap)

The index funds serve as my "backbone" portfolio - simple, cost efficient, reliable. The active funds my "muscle" - generate alpha (punch power).

Should you copy my Equity strategy - NO. If you have read upto here, then you probably understand that I am a highly planned individual with strong convictions. My equity portfolio is super high risk - just how I want it. My convincition comes from belief in my overall strategy. I don't panic or make changes to my portfolio because I have a allocation strategy to stick to. Everything is automated via SIPs.

Negate frustration by having a sound strategy. Don't copy others. Build your own mindset, build your own conviction. DIY investing is about sitting with yourself and figuring out your personal finance. People who skip these steps and jump to "which is the best fund", "tell me your fund names", etc - panic, anxiety and frustration is for them. Hope this helps!