Only 2-3% here can make a living trading? If, outside Elite Trader, the people who consistently make money trading are said to be around 10%, how can they be even less than that at ET? Actually I think that in this section of the forum the percentage of people who make money is much higher than outside. I wouldn't be surprised if the majority of those here (automated trading) made money consistently. This poll I posted seems to agree: http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=157392
I would guess only 1% here have been successful for more than 5 years. I've been an on-again/off-again trader. I am fairly certain the next time I go all-out will be when I succeed. I know so much more than I did 5 years ago. The issue is getting the freedom to go all-out. I contemplate things like moving into my mom's basement or buying a cheap RV, or something. My goal is to make $30,000-$40,000 a year trading in a rural town, so I don't have to work for someone else. I guess I am fundamentally just "tired" at the moment, trying to inspire myself with stories, other people's strategies, etc. I am having a tough time finding inspiration to power myself through the down times at the moment. Physically, energy is just gone. That's why I posted this question. I guess you could say I have a hunger for freedom, but I'm trying to muster up the energy to make it happen entirely.
In my experience, to be energized, one needs to expend energy. Physical activity is paramount to a energized wellbeing imo. I do press ups, walk when I can, ride a bike, swim. As soon as I feel lethargic, I attempt to do some exercise. I work in a office, sitting on bum 5 days a week so get no exercise at work. Also important to not eat too much, my diet is basic and I feel great. (59 yo this year) Iâm fortunate. Live in Western Australia, beaches and parks and bush close by. Clean air, my commute time to work is 5 minutes. I donât walk to work as I come home for lunch and need my car as well for visiting clients from time to time. I work at home right up to the time I need to go to work, then come home and switch on the computer immediately.
I work eight hours per day, five days per week and spend another four hours per day and many hours on weekends coding, when I am working on a system, which is not always. At some point you have to stick a fork in it and call it "done" and let your system work its money-making magic. No use being compulsive about it. I don't try to chase the last nickel of profit, but am always open to the idea that there might be a better way and will go to work if I sense there is one. When I'm not working on a system I have leisure time to pursue other interests. I am single so have no mate or children to tend to. Sex life? Don't I wish!
Way off topic, but interesting that you mention not eating too much: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calorie_restriction
I decided to subcribe to trade-ideas.com and us there oddsmaker software to speedup my system development(no easylanguage). Its great for scanning for specific occurences or setups. I live in california the market opens at 6:30am so im trying to develop a breakout system that trades 6:30am to 7:30am automaticly.