Golden Rules for Succesful Traders

1. Anger over a losing trade – Traders usually feel as if they are victims of the market. This is usually because they either 1) care too much about the trade and/or 2) have unrealistic expectations. They seek approval from the markets, something the markets cannot provide.

2. Trading too much – Traders that do this have some personal need to “conquer” the market. The sole motivation here is greed and about “getting even” with the market. It is impossible to get “even” with the market. Trading too much is also indicative of a lack of discipline and ignoring set rules. This is emotionally-driven.

3. Trading the wrong size – Traders ignore or don’t recognize the risk of each trade or do not understand money management. There is no personal responsibility here. Typically, aggressive position sizes are used, however if risk is not contained, then it could spiral out of control. Usually, this issue comes from traders wanting to make a huge killing. Maybe they do win, but the point is that a bad habit emerges if a trader repeats this behavior.

4. PMSing after the day is over – Traders are on a wild emotional roller coaster that is fueled by a plethora of emotions ranging throughout the spectrum. Focus is taken off of the process and is placed too heavily on the money. These people are very irritable akin to the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (something I wouldn’t know about personally).

5. Using money you can’t afford to lose – Usually, a trader is pinning his/her last hopes to make money. Traders fear “losing” the “last best opportunity”. Self-discipline is quickly forgotten but the power of greed drives them, usually over a cliff. Here, the rewards are given more attention and overall personal financial risk is ignored.

6. Wishing, hoping, or praying – Do this in church, but leave this out of the market. Traders do not take control of their trades and cannot accept the present reality of what’s happening in the market.

7. Getting high after a huge win – These traders tie their self-worth to their success in the markets or by the value of their account. Usually, these folks have an unrealistic feeling of being “in control” of the markets. A huge loss usually sobers them up pretty quickly. It’s important to maintain emotional restraint after wins, just as you would for losses.

8. Adding to a losing position – Also known as doubling, tripling, quadrupling down, typically, this means that the trader does not want to admit the trade is wrong. The trader’s ego is at stake and #6 comes into effect as the trader is hoping the markets will “work in their favor”. If you are wrong, you have a near 0% chance of making a full recovery.

9. Compulsive trading – Similar to #2, except these traders have an addiction to trading and quite possibly gambling issues. They need to constantly trade, even if there is no rational reason to do so. They are always excited whether they win or lose. These traders will trade in all environments and usually trade when it’s advisable to sit out.

10. Afraid of “pulling the trigger” – This usually means that the trader does not have a system or approach already in place. They have not calculated risk/reward and many times, these trades are unplanned. This also comes after a string of losses. They don’t want to be “wrong again”. There is no trust from within and an obviously lack of confidence.

11. Over-thinking or second guessing – Similar to #10, but these people are usually looking for a “sure thing”, when they clearly don’t exist. Losing is not recognized as a normal part of trading and the risks and unknowns of trading are not fully accepted. These traders cannot make decisions in the face of the unknown.

12. Limiting profits or getting out too early – These traders do not have a plan. There is a direct effect from believing that profits were undeserved…a typical reason for giving them up. Usually a trader is stressed over a trade for some reason and closing the position quickly eliminates the anxiety. Usually, there is a fear of “giving back” those gains.

13. Fear of being stopped out – Traders fear failure and the pain from taking losses is great. Here is another instance where the ego is at risk. They must always be correct or suffer a feeling of “let down”. Don’t forget that your stop loss is your last line of defense.

14. Not following your system – This is a trust and follow-through issue. Perhaps the trader didn’t test it enough, or it recently produced a string of losses, casing some doubt. Your faith in the system is broken. Not only do you not trust the system, you can’t even trust yourself with picking one that works for you. Find and stick with one that is consistent and ‘fits’ with your personality and style.

15. Following other traders (indiscriminately) – These traders do not have a system. They are also limited in trading knowledge. They feel that they will become winners if they simply “follow” someone. These trades are usually impulsive. It’s too dangerous to follow without cause.