I don't know if you've seen this yet... but heres a collection of videos.. http://www.screencast.com/users/Spectre main thing is to follow 'intent'... at all times.. and if you counter intent, do it at key levels.. like support and resistance..
I think your spot on here, i used to have so many useless charts open, yet as a daytrader it made very little difference to my actual plays or money making ability. Analysis paralysis comes to mind. Now i have 4 smaller screens which i basically plot my zones in the morning. I do my homework on certain price levels which may help me make a decision for my day-trading. However, most my trading is simply done on the 1min chart analysis, that is on a big screen for me and its basically the only chart i follow during the day. Obvioulsy as price approaches the important zones on the longer timeframe charts i link these zones to my 1min entry levels. I now hate clutter, simply focus on the 1 main chart.
where abouts in england are you i am in a very similar situation as you at the moment with life and trading
Nothing really new today, still trading in the congestion pattern. I see a lot of value at 1359. Would love to see prices get dragged back upto this region and then breakdown again. I'm going to trade smart today and sit on sidelines and wait for nice set-up to come along. Problem with have a good day the day before is that confidence is too high and psyche is vulnerable. When ever i have a good day i find accepting a loss harder the next day and have over traded big time trying to achieve the same success which was still resting at the back of my mind. Market is designed to bring you back to earth quickly so i will be very cautious today.
Just a follow up on this one. Closed this out a bit early at 35 for +29 ES Last swing trade i will mention.
Very very counter-trend signal here. Don't expect high probability on this one. Long 36.50 - have to take it. Tight stop - tgt is 46. Silly trade. Stopped at 35 for -1.5
Last attempt at bottom fishing here . Its based on one of my counter-trend play but has very low odds of success. Big reward though. Long 32.75. Silly again out 31.75 for -1 Okay signal still alive, long 32.50 .
Just to let readers know, i am a trend follower but i do have flexible counter-trend play due to the fact that counter-trend offers some great R:R. The problem with counter-trend is low probability of success but my stats for my own trading showing that it is very profitable play when played to the correct R:R. That why i may re-enter and re-enter with very tight 1 pt stops. If signal is still alive, i have good chance of being part of the counter-trend move.