"没有人因为获利而亏钱。"

Taking a profit means securing a gain from an investment when the opportunity presents itself. The core idea here is simple: when you have a chance to make money, take it; don't wait for an even better opportunity that might never come. Think of it as cutting off a piece of the pie while it's still warm and within reach rather than waiting for the pie to grow bigger and potentially losing it altogether.

Now, let's travel back in time a bit. This piece of wisdom likely dates back to seasoned traders and investors who learned the hard way that, in the unpredictable world of markets, it's better to secure a profit than to risk losing it all in pursuit of that elusive peak. It’s a lesson in prudence, one that says, "Don’t get greedy."

Here’s a vivid example to bring this idea to life. Imagine you’re playing Monopoly with friends. You land on Boardwalk, buy it, and soon, someone else lands on it and pays you a hefty rent. You could hold out, hoping more friends land on it, or you could cash in some of that rent and use it to buy another property. Those who hold out might end up with nothing if the game's dynamics change, while those who cash in wisely spread their risk and increase their holdings.

So, how can you apply this in your own life? It’s all about recognizing when to say, “That’s enough for now.” If you’re investing in stocks and one of them skyrockets, consider selling part of your holdings. Secure that profit, put it in your pocket, and then you can decide how to reinvest it—maybe into something else promising. This way, you’re not risking everything on one high-flying stock that could plummet just as quickly.

Here's a story that paints this principle quite vividly. Picture a young guy named Dave who loves to dabble in the stock market. Dave bought shares in a small tech startup. One day, the company announces a groundbreaking innovation, and the stock price soars. Dave's initial investment triples. Now, Dave faces a choice: sell now and enjoy that profit, or hold out for even more gains? Remembering his dad’s advice that "nobody ever lost money taking a profit," Dave sells half his shares and secures a tidy sum. A week later, the stock crashes due to an unforeseen scandal. Dave’s glad he didn’t get greedy—he made a smart move and now has funds to invest elsewhere.

Think about the last time you had a chance to cash in on something—a garage sale, maybe. You found an old bike you never use. Someone offered you $50 for it. Should you hold out for $75? What if they change their mind? The wise move is to take the $50. It’s a solid gain, and you can use that money for something useful right away. That bike could have continued rusting away in your garage, but instead, it’s converted into cash.

Life often throws opportunities our way, and the trick is recognizing when to take the win. Don’t wait for perfect—grab good enough. Because sometimes, good enough is more than you’d have if you waited for perfect and ended up with nothing. It’s about playing it smart and knowing that a sure thing today beats a maybe tomorrow.