My self-managed portfolio is more than 3 times as in March, 2009

but have not doubled that at the peak of 2007 yet.

The capability to put durng the downturn of the market is the key. Nobody can time the market correctly all the time. So a systematic input would be the best for most of ordinary people, including me. I had rided the market until last May. Take some chip off last May to play a little bit timing. Then all were trapped until 2 weeks ago, and I took some chip off again. Still keep 55% of my portfolio in stock. 

I need to double my current portfolio before retirement. A long way to go.:(.