I'd like to become a better trader

Discussion in 'Journals' started by PO, Feb 2, 2011.

  1. PO

    PO

    P&L +2.8points

    closed my last portion again today instead of letting it be to ride the down trend and then to the upside.

    I'm trying to figure out why I do this, I think it's because I don't want to lose the money I already made. What else is new. I simply don't have the confidence in my method. I need to work on this.

    [​IMG]
     
    #501     May 22, 2011
  2. PO

    PO

    P&L for the week +5.9 points
     
    #502     May 22, 2011
  3. Not too shabby, PO :)

    If you can consistently bank that without too big swings in your P&L, you will be well on your way.

    Still trading strictly SIM?

    Do you have a plan for when and how you will start trading live again? For example after reaching a certain profit goal X amount of weeks in a row?
     
    #503     May 23, 2011
  4. PO

    PO

    LF, thanks, but you spoke too soon.

    I had a terrible day today -12 points. My worst day in for the last 3 weeks.

    I'm still trading SIM only, until I can be more consistent. 4 weeks of at least 12 points a week.
     
    #504     May 23, 2011
  5. PO

    PO

    P&L -12 points

    terrible morning of chop that I shouldn't have traded.

    [​IMG]
     
    #505     May 23, 2011
  6. PO

    PO

    P&L -7.5 points

    I was overtrading today because I couldn't think clearly after yesterday's bad day.

    and then closed my last short for the day because I was doubting myself.

    [​IMG]
     
    #506     May 24, 2011
  7. Do you have any drawdown rules? Max drawdown per day? Per week? Max losers in a row?

    Taking small losses is part of trading, but you need to find a way to prevent yourself from letting it get completely out of control like just happened to you.

    The losing streak is very real. I experienced it myself recently after 5 profitable weeks in a row. It haunted me for several days and made me give back a lot more than I should have. It all started with one bad day and it gained momentum.

    I believe that for me, the correct thing to do after a big losing day, is to take the next day or two completely OFF.

    Did you read Pit Bull by Marty Schwartz? There`s a great essay in it on the losing streak. I`ll copy and paste it to you if you don`t have it already, while you wait for your copy to arrive. Great book.
     
    #507     May 24, 2011
  8. PO

    PO

    P&L -0.5 points


    [​IMG]
     
    #508     May 25, 2011
  9. PO

    PO

    I do need to make some rule on a limit loss per day. I think 6-8 points should be my max loss per day.

    I think I do need to take a day off after a big loosing day.

    I haven't read "Pit Bull by Marty Schwartz". I will check this out.

    thanks LF.
     
    #509     May 25, 2011
  10. NoDoji

    NoDoji

    What do your charts mean? Are all those little arrows your trades?
     
    #510     May 25, 2011