There's something tauntingly accessible about "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," the 1989 Stephen Covey self-help book that's sold more than 15 million copies worldwide. Not surprisingly, the prospect of making meaningful improvements to one's life in just a few easy steps holds universal appeal.
Given their inherently unpredictable nature, the markets, alas, can't be so easily mastered. But while thinking about what makes an effective trader, I considered the attributes of successful investors I've known along with historical financial figures. And while there is no simple checklist of criteria for market success, there are certain qualities many accomplished investors tend to share.
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