I'm a novice investor/trader (6 months) and I've done alright,(better than broke even) so far. Just wondering how long it takes to reach a plateau in terms of profitability, in other words how long will it take before my increases in % return start diminishing from month to month or year to year. Also, what is a rough estimate of % return per year to expect once I get there? P.S. In my high school there is a business club investment contest that I am a part of, and I noticed that it is extremely easy to make a lot of money when the money is not real(I'm winning the contest). Any tips for making real $$$ feel more like fake $$$ so I can make more of it?