While I agree completely with your 4 "tricks" (especially controlling your emotions), I'd argue that index funds are best for those who prefer to not spend any time learning how to pick good active funds.

If you're willing to invest a bit of time and thought into learning how to pick good actively managed funds, you'll probably do better with those.

Here's my case: https://themakingofamillionaire.com/would-it-surprise-you-that-you-may-make-more-money-in-active-funds-c8bebebc05af