Quote from rayc99:
I have to remind myself to let the winners run, and to cut my losses. As strange as it seems, anyone who trades knows it is easier to do the opposite! It's a psychological battle
You want to make it easier for yourself and get over the pathological battle?
1) Ignore the price you paid for the trade
2) Ignore whether it's a profit or loss
3) Make all decisions based on one factor only: DO YOU WANT TO OWN THE POSITION AT TODAY'S PRICE. IF 'YES' KEEP IT. IF 'NO' SELL IT.
I doubt I can convince you (or most people) of the merits of this trading philosophy.
If you expect to make money as a directional trader, you want to own positions that you believe will work today and going forward. Whether they worked yesterday is not important.
Mark