What do you know now that would have saved you a year?

One insight, one skill, one habit — the thing that, had you learned it in month one, would have saved a year of losses or confusion. These are the most valuable posts in the beginners category.

Post yours:

• the insight in one sentence
• how you finally learned it
• why beginners resist it

Keep it to one thing per reply so the thread stays a list, not an essay.