On the FIRE path about 4 years, mostly index funds, but keep 15% in individual stocks because I enjoy researching companies and it keeps me engaged with my portfolio.
Early stock selection was basically random. See something on reddit, do surface research, buy if interesting. Led to some terrible picks.
Systematic screening criteria now: ROIC above 12% consistently, FCF positive for 5 consecutive years, debt to equity under 0.5, trading below intrinsic value based on conservative DCF.
Run this through ValueSense weekly to see new names, then deeper research on anything interesting. Stocks bought using this approach perform way better than earlier random picks. Not crushing the market but at least not destroying value.
Having actual criteria written down and sticking to them removes emotional decision making.