As an avid Tastytrader I'd like to chime in. There are many ways to skin this cat called the market. Overall, there is no "right way". We see traders (like Xenomorph in this forum, Covey or the Turtle Traders of the 1980s) trading the trend. We see the Karens selling way OTM options making money. The list can go on and on. What separates the long term "successful" traders is risk management. I sell premium for a living and sleep very well at night. Matter of fact, buy & hold scares me since there's no cost basis reduction. As a premium seller, is my way the right way? No, but I sure like it. I'm up 13% YTD on my entire portfolio with only 30% ever invested; the rest stays in cash. That pays the bills. I love this game. I think we all do.
Find your style and stick to it.
No one has any idea how much money Karen the 'supertrader' has made or lost because she refuses to provide audited returns. Her words are just words. She does, however, admit that she was nearly wiped out a few years ago by a big move. Using only fraction of your account is no guarantee that you will not be wiped out. Lose that fraction a few times and it's all over. That said, I'm glad you are up and I hope you continue to do well.