That's it in a nutshell. The trend follower determines if there is a trend NOW and if there is, he bets accordingly. Can he lose? Of course, but he is playing the odds: bet on the most likely outcome always and in the long run, he wins. Like betting with a biased coin.
When a trend follower trades, he isn't forecasting a damn thing, he is playing the odds.
I really can't put it any simpler than that. Either one gets it or one doesn't.
K2
There are a few trader disagreeing with you - that I respect
But on this one..., I'm going with you
===============
It's a mindset for me
I predict; - there an associated..., innate..., outcome - I could (and have/ do) easily find myself expecting to occur
An expectation if you will
Then when it doesn't happen.., I could be let down / disappointed / reluctant to continue / repeat my routine
I anticipate; - I roll with it - works out cool...., doesn't work out/ breaks down - cool
Either way - no hard feelings..., no reluctance to try again
I have / hold absolutely no expectation
==============
I've also found - with a mindset of predicting - I have a bias (and I can't shake it no matter what I do)
Whereas with a mindset of anticipation - price imparts its bias upon me (leaving me totally out of the picture)
Having said this; I don't trade trends (a trend / the trend/ whatever trend)
I exploit moves
============
For me - it all about a mindset;
One way..., it impedes the hell out of me
The other..., frees me up to trade - win..., lose..., or draw
jmho
RN