How do [i]you[/i] maintain focus?

1. Even if you're a discretionary trader, develop as many tools as possible (visual patterns, audio alerts, etc.) to identify a potential trade. Once you get to the stage where you can wait for the trade to come to you, then you'll spend less time having to focus.

2. Have all your meals and snacks planned ahead of time.

3. Get up at least two hours before your market starts trading to clean out the pipes. A big dump can cost you.

4. I agree with one of the previous posters. Plan your life to eliminate as many distractions as possible for 6 1/2 hours. You can mentally train yourself to watch every tick -- it can be done.

5. Optimizing your daily P&L takes real dedication. Develop a model, a framework, anything that can structure your trading to make the right decisions.
 
This may be one of the most underrated pieces of advice i've read! I think Marty Schwartz emphasized this in "Pit Bull" too.


Quote from PoundTheRock:

3. Get up at least two hours before your market starts trading to clean out the pipes. A big dump can cost you.
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Quote from FuturesTrader71:

Almost everyone who struggles with this can seriously alleviate the problem if they were not trading alone. I moved from my trading office in Chicago where there are other traders to a home office in DC. I can't express how important it has been for me to have VoIP access to my trading room and to communicate all day. When one is looking at emails, etc, there are others who are trading and you can hear their machines or they will say something every time. My traders trade various markets so it is also good to know that the bonds plummeted 7 ticks and the indices are still holding or whatever..... I also actively provide levels, spot important prints on the tape, etc throughout the day and alert everyone. It works very well and keeps me involved.

I must highlight that I'm a futures scalper. This may not be the solution for someone who is watching an opening range trade for the day. It could be disruptive to others who may be trading more actively, etc.

Just my 2 cents....
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Great post. Sounds like you have a good plan to deal with Post Trading Desk Syndrome. I moved off a desk a couple years back and it can be a challenge to stay focused at home. I talk to other traders throughout the day (via phone, skype, gmail talk) to stay engaged throughout the day. I have to talk or I go nuts. Cnbc used to not bother me when I was trading for a group. Not ---I cannot stand the damn station. MUTE ONLY.

Human Interaction is the big advantage to a trading group.

F71,
You still using that online news broadcast? If so ---PM me that website. Oh and check your PM in Box. Hope all is well.
 
i haven started trading but i was wondering dont your eyes strain after watching the screen so long or get a headache - ????????
 
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