How to become a profitable trader

Every trader has a learning curve. No one is immune to proving themselves to the trading Gods. When you have paid your dues they will open the vault to you. Unfortunately the key to unlocking the vault has nothing to do with hard work. It has everything to do with discipline.

"Knowing more" or studying harder does not necessarily make you a better trader. As a matter of fact if you study too much you will be confused and that leads to indecision. A huge enemy of profitable trading. It requires a plan with an edge, the ability to focus and the skill to refocus.

There is always the same curve for would be professionals, it is just a matter of where you are in the curve.

• you lose money
• you learn how to not lose money
• you learn how to manage a trade and be green on the screen
• you accept trading is about probabilities and learn how to use leverage

When a trader starts out and is losing money it is usually because he is trying to make money first. In other words focusing on how much a trade can make instead how do I manage risk.

When trader finally learns to focus on risk first, then assess profit potential he can now get more screen time. He begins to see the trades forming and takes losses as he should but he is not able to put all the pieces together. His timing is off.

Next trader learns that good entry price comes from anticipating what he will do before he needs to do it. He is no longer chasing. He is patient to get his price. He is making some money, but not pulling the trigger as quickly as he should, he doesn't trust himself yet.

What does he need to trust? He needs to trust he will do what he is supposed to no matter what happens next. That is where confidence comes from.

When trader reaches the final stage he now expects to make money. Does that mean he will make money every day? NO. Trader does however have full confidence he will follow his plan which allows him to use more leverage when probabilities and trade expectation are clear.

Ask yourself honestly where you are in the curve. This unbiased assesssment of what you need to work on will be the quickest and most productive road to consistent profitability. Looking in the mirror and lying to yourself will lead to years of frustration. You are either making money or not. The P&L doesn't lie

There are definite steps to trading success, know where you are and take the next step.