I
posted this nearly two and a half years ago. I think it still applies today.
In a word........
Discipline.
Having the
discipline it takes to keep after your trading education after putting in long hours to study, prepare, test, analyze and review the rules, software, trading vehicles and systems before ever placing your first trade.
Having the
discipline to start with small sizes as you continue to learn and trade.
Having the
discipline required to wait to trade real money with maximum leverage until you achieve proper capitalization for your trading goals.
Having the
discipline required to remain patient while waiting for the most opportune time before entering a trade.
Having the
discipline to exit a trade and take a loss when the market tells you you were wrong this time.
Having the
discipline to exit a trade when you reached your target by not permitting greed to influence your decision.
Having the
discipline required to control your emotions before, during and after a trade.
Having the
discipline to follow your well tested and proven trading system rather than override it simply because "you know better."
It's rather easy to find the Holy Grail. Maintaining it is quite another thing. I know I fight the battle each and every day.
Good Trading to you all.
- Spydertrader