The biggest mistake I see new analysts make is trying to learn everything at once. Markets are complex, but your learning doesn't have to be overwhelming. I always tell people to master one aspect thoroughly before moving to the next.

Start with companies you understand – maybe businesses you use every day. This familiarity helps you spot when something doesn't make sense in their financial reports. From there, you can expand to similar companies, then different industries.

Remember that market timing is nearly impossible to perfect. Instead, focus on understanding business fundamentals and long-term trends. This knowledge serves you well regardless of short-term market movements.