"I definitely cannot blame anything on the markets -- this week's conditions were optimal for what I look for, and knowing that I was blowing it probably added fuel to the fire. It was just a number of knee-jerk reactions on my part to being unable to keep a good day intact, one leading to the next and snowballing. What I'm realizing now is that despite having an edge, it's never stayed in focus as the one and only priority in my trading, the way it should. Success was always a way for me to afford doing more of the wrong things. It's just a poor foundation upon which any edge would falter."
Illiquid: You take responsibility, and don't make excuses, . and you have knowlege of what is occurring , and also that it's detrimental as it happens.
It would seem there is more underlying the behavior that you recognize is likely a negative. Maybe it is just manifested in your trading, but trading is very likely not the source. Just the result.
Just the tangible representation. But let's consider the here and now.
"Success was always a way for me to afford doing more of the wrong things. " That works as long as the cash flow allows limited siphoning off an uptrending account.
Got a suggestion: It will sound way off the wall but consider:
Why not think outside the box?
Step back a notch or two- There are a number of suggestions other posts have offered.: Other traders recognize your skill and accomplishments. They are Troubled by your present possible lack of confidence and possible inability to get right back on top of your game- The honest self-analysis you've expressed they find disconcerting- At your level, most expect they would believe they would be on top of their game. Or hope so. You elected to share with others that this level is not necessarily "success" . You recognize that you are still dealing with some long-term trading issues that are common to most traders. Surprize- you're human. This may be a short-term hiccup in your trading, as you work through this level. The question becomes, are you capable and willing to move yourself higher, and if not- what is preventing you? There can be a lot of psyche 101 - I expect you know all of it and then some - but your posts express dissatisfaction with your lack of self discipline and doing things that are impulsive and emotional. You see yourself as actually having prospered in spite of yourself and self-indulgences. I don't think you give yourself enough credit for what you do right....
I suggest
on't take any time off- Instead , Do some role playing- Shift your focus from yourself. Try it as an exercise for a few days: Take it off your shoulders. For 1 Week perhaps..
Instead of you making the trades, for the next week, Mentor me. -SD You personally back-off, and guide me to make yor trades. I won't mind the responsibility- it won't be my account-it's yours.
After you LOL- Take yourself out of the Trader Role and Now consider YOU become my teacher. Let me make your trades with your guidance! Yes, I'm now going to be trading your account! For the next week. and the next week only - After that, you'll have to mail me a commission check weekly! LOL
You can teach me for the next week, and teach me right- You can teach me discretion, teach me to stay with my discipline .
Tomorrow, Pre-market, I've come to your house, You are not going to make any trades , but will oversee me making trades on your behalf. I'm sitting in your chair,- Thanks for the Opportunity BTW!!!! I'll be trading your account, and I hope I'll learn quick and not cost you alot. After we have coffee and a Crispy Creme donoughnut , you let me sit in your chair , and we wait for the market to open.
You will look over my shoulder, explain and guide my trades. You aren't allowed to make any trades until you explain them to me,. No, I'm not Stalking LOL but I'm talking Role Playing as a possibly valuable exercise- It requires you to be able to be both imaginative, and disciplined, as I am not actually going to be there- I'll be on a construction project we're starting here in Durham NC. You're the Teacher. I'm there in corpus absentia (sp).....
.But when your hand reaches out to click that mouse, consider it to be mine and you are looking over my shoulder.
I want to learn , and learn right, and am depending on you.
Give me the right guidance. .... teach me to become a smart and profitable trader.
Tomorrow, Intraday, I'll wonder how I'm doing, and what you are able to teach a slow and somewhat older mediocre trader about disciple, -am I following your rules ? - and when to put more on and when to back off. I've got to balance Risk with reward, and not got knocked back too much. Haven't got that many years to recoup.
So instead of trading for yourself this next week, trade to teach me how it should be done- I'm not trying to get rich,(yet) just to learn to trade with consistency and work my edge towards that end.
I'm betting you can teach me how it's done properly. At least my persona ....
I would expect if your focus became that of "I will teach for 1 week" - you would modify some of your trading, and focus on the essential elements that you recognize that give you an edge when properly applied. So , I am willing to be your guineau pig - abstentia novice trader-
Should you accept my application, I would like you to critique my learning curve over the next week.
Thanks , and best wishes to your continued success! SD
