At some point in the active trader`s career, he will be faced with a string of losses that will bring his confidence to an all-time low. Every active trader hits this point at least once, and some will visit it several times. This active trader will reveal to you ways to successfully deal with this problem. First, every active trader needs to take a break from trading. A one-week break will allow the active trader to relax and regroup. It is impossible to trade effectively when the active trader is under extreme stress. When the active trader has decompressed and returned to a more positive frame of mind, the active trader will be able to reaffirm goals and think clearly, when the time comes back to go back to the trading room. The active trader should pay careful attention to his mindset. If the active trader does not have a positive approach to trading, the best tools and strategies can be at his disposal, but trading will not give the results he wants. There are varieties of meditations and visualization techniques that can help the active trader achieve a positive mental outlook. Learn about them, and use the ones that work the best. Once the active trader can effectively see him, as an up-and-coming successful trader that will meet and exceed all goals, the active trader is more than half way there. Remember, the active trader`s mind is the greatest asset he posses. Next, the active trader should consider his trading experience - up to now. It makes sense to take stock of trading, and ask this important question: The most important question is: "Have I been following my trading plan?" Often failure in the market is caused by not following a plan. See when the active trader departs from his plan, consider what is needed to be done and do not make the same mistake twice. This kind of analysis will give the active trader valuable insight into trading, and help attain much greater success in the future. With consideration of the trading past in hand, make whatever adjustments needed to the trading plan. The active trader`s trading plan should define his approach to trading, and should give him a course of action for any circumstance that might arise. Without a comprehensive trading plan, it is very difficult to be a successful active trader. Last, when the active trader begins trading again, follow the plan flawlessly and acknowledge the fact that this is hard to do. But, commit to doing this step and be disciplined. Either undisciplined behaviour will be punished by the market, by direct losses or by the loss of profits, the active trader could have made. However, the market can confuse this issue with random reinforcement. Random reinforcement is the market`s tendency to reward bad behaviour from time to time. This is one reason why it takes so long for active traders to understand the market. However, even with random reinforcement, it makes no sense to have a system if the active trader is not going to follow it. Given that a trading plan is so hard to follow, the active trader should take some time to reward himself for doing this difficult task. Celebrate even if more losses than winning trades are made. Remember, losses are just as important as winning trades; they are a part of any system, and a sign that the active trader is following the market wisdom of cutting losses short. When active traders are up and trading again, they should consider finding a coach. Even this active trader has a coach. In fact, this active trader has several coaches in all areas of life. This active trader learned the importance of mentors from Tiger Woods. Even he has a coach. Now why does the best golfer in the world have a coach? It certainly isn`t because his coach plays a better round of golf than him. No, it`s because a coach can see things from a different view point. A good coach can be vital in helping the active trader along his trading journey. It isn`t easy to pick up and start trading again after a long series of losses. But, with these techniques, the active trader should find himself trading again, and making money. With the right approach and a well-designed trading system, it`s only a matter of time before the active trader becomes a successful again. |
