What defines a successful investor? What is success to you?

Some may define their success differently, but in the investing world, it's plain and simple. It's about meeting or exceeding your investment objectives.

Successful investors know how to manage their assets, and are knowledgeable about the industry. Whether or not you're investing your own money, or someone else is doing it for you, there are a few things every successful investor should avoid doing.

We've shared plenty of ideas with our readers about what you need to know about investing.

Stock investing is the growth engine of your investment portfolio, but in 2014 and beyond your best investment strategy could be to cut your investment exposure in stocks (also called equities) and stock funds (also called equity funds). Face it: equities and some stock funds have run up 150% in the past four to five years and this run could be about over. Why invest money here (more money) now?

Stock investing has been very profitable in the past few years. The truth of the matter is that stocks and stock funds have been the best investment for the average investor for questionable reasons. In this extremely low interest rate environment, who wants to invest money in bonds, bond funds or any other interest-paying investment vehicle? In the world of stock investing, investors want to see a growing economy, rising corporate profits and growth in corporate sales. In recent years corporate profits have been a product of cost cutting vs. increasing sales. Corporate America has been reluctant to hire employees.