There is too much emphasis on confidence as the primary characteristic of successful traders. However, it counts for very little on its own without incorporating commitment, courage, and control. Confidence allows you to execute your trades in an objective manner.

What is the biggest confidence killer to a trader? The unrealistic expectation that every trade will be a winner.Even highly competitive traders accept some trades will fail, and remain confident in their trading abilities.

Commitment. It is important to your continued success that you commit to improving your trading performance.Pledge to give your best and learn to improve each day if you expect to maintain a high level of performance. Your investing education never ends.

Courage. Concentrate on developing courage now, or risk a shortened investment career. Trading is not for the weak hearted. The markets are unpredictable and even the smartest analyst will make mistakes. Eventually everyone experiences a sequence of losing trades and you will not be exempt. You have a choice between self-pity and self-reflection. The Genius Trader has the courage to look at their mistakes and learn from them. The average trader perceives this as too painful, and simply curses their bad luck.

Control. Do you have a high degree of control? Or, are your decisions clouded by your emotions? Do you practice risk management? Or, is your trading more like gambling in Vegas?

Genius Traders control their emotions and follow their trading rules. Your ability to implement your trading plan, in a controlled manner, is vital if you want consistent profits. Unstable trading leads to poor decisions. Traders who make poor decisions are not in the game very long.

Begin with this small step to practicing the 4 C’s of Confidence, Courage, Commitment, and Control. You do not have to believe everything I say. Just try a few days for yourself. I am confident you will notice a change for the better. The only question left to ask is, are you ready to begin your journey to becoming a Genius Trader?