Thank you for this suggestion, I agree.
BUT, I had one written up on Thursday night (a shortened version of my well-written plan) and didn't follow it on Friday.
At the top it says, "I must not blow my account by trading stupid."
Next it gives a daily loss amount.
Next is says I must habitually make choices to not revenge trade.
Next is says trades will be correctly taken in alignment with....and gives very specific set up detail.
I had the checklist.
I broke nearly every thing on the list.
It's not a hard checklist to follow.
I take the setups all the time in demo. I like the set ups. They are how I want to take trades.
However, whether in demo or live trading I struggle to stick to just those set ups or to even take them when they occur, if I don't feel confident that the trade will work.
I'm hoping this journal will help me to focus on trading the pre-determined plan that I have. It's really ridiculous that I am struggling as a trader over such a small issue. If I lose money, I'd rather be able to say that I followed my plan and the plan didn't work. But knowing that is my goal hasn't been helping.
What I want to do is have the same look, the same time frames and the same set ups every day, always, but I keep fiddling with everything. This journal should also help with getting me to recognize that changing too much is something that throws me off.
The accountability of reporting each day on how well I followed rules should result in actually following my rules.
If not....I don't know what.....I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
A couple things;
1) You are phrasing your statements in the negative, most likely this is why you unconsciously feel resistance to following them.
--
At the top it says, "I must not blow my account by trading stupid."
>Everyday, I learn something that increases my positive equity curve.
>I take fewer, more high quality set-ups and profit thereby.
>My trading improves with ever trade I take and learn from.
Next it gives a daily loss amount.
>Set targets <- gives the mind something positive to focus upon.
Next is says I must habitually make choices to not revenge trade.
>My patience is increasing to take better quality setups.
>I have discipline to sit on my hands.
2) You have work to do in terms of integrity and relating to yourself as your word. By breaking your word to yourself, you are the person that experiences the greatest harm.
Lists and checking items off the list supports the effort - more so if you relate to your word as a dynamic relationship. Iow, right now, you would have more integrity to just declare, "I am not following my checklist today." or "I am choosing to trade emotionally today." or "I'm choosing to do opposite my plan today."
Chances are, until you create a track record for yourself with honoring yourself as your word, success in any endeavor (other than being a futile trader) will elude you. Accomplishments, no matter how small, build momentum for increasing self-confidence and self-esteem.
3) The pattern you've described is similar to those with self-esteem, self-deservedness, worthiness issues. It's a pattern of self-sabotage. Chances are you've grown up surrounded by addiction issues and/or absentee parenting.
4) You are currently getting your emotional needs met with the market - even though it's opposite your inferred goal of trading profitably.
5) The intent of your thread demonstrates that you are aware of the above issues and are attempting to focus on the source of your problems.
I'm not a licensed therapist, take the above with a grain of salt. However with therapy, there are many modes that can support your journey. The primary activity that accelerates results is to start a consistent daily routine of meditating to quiet your mind. It's a you-with-You relationship with your inner being, the source of your own inherent wisdom and guidance.
