Very, very few people will be able to beat the S&P 500 on a risk adjusted basis over a multi-year period. There are almost no gurus and not many more elite traders. Beating the market on a risk adjusted basis takes years and years of research, lots of psychological pain (and growth), and if you don't have an edge, you won't be successful despite all the discipline in the world. So you could suck up your life energy and time and only be left with the thought....why did I ever start this?
If you really want to be successful as a trader, it will come from love and passion for the game. I'd highly recommend Jack Schwagger's little summarized book (like 2.5 hours on audio) of the market wizards he interviewed. I also like the hedge fund one a lot too. Many different styles, many different approaches, some will work for you, some may not, but it will get you thinking. What is my edge, what do you do better than others? If you can answer that an apply it to trading you could be one of the elite few. Risk management is also extremely important and it takes a while to really think in probabilities and bankroll management. Part of that is being realistic about what your gains really can be. Good luck and hope you check out those 2 books, I think they will help!!
. Well he did, but not without giving it away sooner or later.