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Trading Decision-Making Process

There is a huge difference between a wish and a decision. A wish is a negative and puts the trader in a frozen state waiting for something to happen (generally associated with trying to get even on losing trades). That is negatively charged energy. Decisions, on the other hand, are positively charged energy. It makes the trader take action. Taking action is taking responsibility. You alone are responsible for your current mental state or condition. Decisions can be both good and bad of course. The sooner the trader realized the bad decision, the sooner they can act to correct it.

The first step in the decision-making process is to realize that what you are doing is not working. Remember that falling down is a positive motions is you bounce right back. Make a list of the positive and negative things that will happen when you take action on the decision.

Don’t expect instant gratification if you make the decision. Decision-making is a process that begins with the first step but these steps are the foundation for a stronger behavioral structure. This structure will give you the confidence in your trading. Confidence plays a key role in successful trading. Having the confidence necessary for successful trading can help the trader in difficult trading environments. Whereas one trader lacking confidence and good decision-making skills may be frozen and unable to act, the trader who has taken the time to build this foundation will be prepared to take the appropriate actions.

Many times specific decisions a trader makes will not yield profits, they will result in a loss, but more importantly, it will position the trader to be able to recognize and act on the next opportunity. Practicing and applying this process will pay dividends throughout your lifetime.

Writing your trading plan?

  1. Why am I trading? This is not a trivial question to ask; and you must answer it honestly. Are you trading to make money? Or are you trading for the thrill? In other words, are you trading like an investor or like a gambler?
  2. What are my trading goals? Again, not a trivial question. Are you trying to gain a few dollars for extra spending money? Trying to fund your retirement? Trade for a living? Or are you trying to amass a fortune and retire early to a life of luxury? How you answer this question will identify the level of risk that you will have to endure.
  3. What is the size of my trading account? An obvious question.
  4. What is my skill level? Be honest.
  5. What is my tolerance for risk? And does that tolerance bear any relation to my skill level? It’s no good having a high tolerance for risk if your skills are inadequate.
  6. What must I do to improve my skill level?
  7. If my skill level is low, what trading size can I use to ensure that a single bad decision will not wipe me out? Preserving capital and staying in the game long enough to LTP good trading practices is crucial.
  8. What is my preferred trading instrument and have I familiarized myself with the behavior, range and velocity of that instrument? Some trades, like bonds and the ETF’s can move at a glacial pace.
  9. What indicators will I use to identify my entries and exits? Here, “the more, the merrier” may not be the wisest choice. Remember, there can be paralysis by (over)analysis.
  10. Where will I place my initial stop; and how will I manage them? You may have a trailing stop strategy, or you may plan to just exit when your indicators say, “Get out!”
    (more…)

JP Morgan CEO On Why Beauty is a Bad Investment

Well, that’s the last time I ask JP for help.  

A reply from CEO of J.P. Morgan to a pretty girl seeking a rich husband…

A young and pretty lady posted this on a popular forum:

Title: What should I do to marry a rich guy?

I’m going to be honest of what I’m going to say here.

I’m 25 this year. I’m very pretty, have style and good taste. I wish to marry a guy with $500k annual salary or above.

You might say that I’m greedy, but an annual salary of $1M is considered only as middle class in New York. (more…)

Trading Decision

There is a huge difference between a wish and a decision. A wish is a negative and puts the trader in a frozen state waiting for something to happen (generally associated with trying to get even on losing trades). That is negatively charged energy. Decisions, on the other hand, are positively charged energy. It makes the trader take action. Taking action is taking responsibility. You alone are responsible for your current mental state or condition. Decisions can be both good and bad of course. The sooner the trader realized the bad decision, the sooner they can act to correct it.

The first step in the decision-making process is to realize that what you are doing is not working. Remember that falling down is a positive motions is you bounce right back. Make a list of the positive and negative things that will happen when you take action on the decision.

Don’t expect instant gratification if you make the decision. Decision-making is a process that begins with the first step but these steps are the foundation for a stronger behavioral structure. This structure will give you the confidence in your trading. Confidence plays a key role in successful trading. Having the confidence necessary for successful trading can help the trader in difficult trading environments. Whereas one trader lacking confidence and good decision-making skills may be frozen and unable to act, the trader who has taken the time to build this foundation will be prepared to take the appropriate actions.

Confidence

ASR-CONFIDNCEMany times, you won’t feel quite right about a buy or sell decision. If this feeling persists after you have done all your research and you have followed the rules to this point, don’t take the trade. Too many times, individuals try to rationalize a decision. Don’t try to find a good reason for making a bad decision. Your decision must be made with confidence.

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