Why is trading so difficult?

[Pekelo]

Technical analysis is garbage.

Selling OTM puts is garbage.

 

[Scataphagos]

It`s Counter Intuitive & contrary to human nature... In a nutshell!

I used to think "counter intuitive" was the reason, but no longer. Trading is still difficult, but that's not the real reason.

I think the real reason is....

Trading is more of a 50-50 proposition than you'd like to believe.

Losing (money) hurts. We try to avoid getting hurt... we're hard-wired to try to escape danger, and that has to be overcome through rationale and discipline. Not an easy task.

 

[tomorton]

Technical analysis is garbage. Why do you continue using something that doesn’t work?

But what's the reason you would say this?

 

[padutrader]

So is trying to pound a nail with a screwdriver.

yes........ you have a fantastic imagination

 

[Zodiac4u]

I have been learning and studying technical analysis since 1994 but i still cannot turn a money profit.
I do not make a loss in demo/sim.

Our minds protect us from loss, even if you choose the correct course of action when trading the sim. Our minds know that we are not trading real money. To help avoid this type of mental reflex. You will need to write your method down on paper. Once on paper it will take on a real form, than you just need to follow your method. If your system is just floating around in your head than this method at best is completely subjective.

 

[padutrader]

Our minds protect us from loss, even if you choose the correct course of action when trading the sim. Our minds know that we are not trading real money. To help avoid this type of mental reflex. You will need to write your method down on paper. Once on paper it will take on a real form, than you just need to follow your method. If your system is just floating around in your head than this method at best is completely subjective.

yes ! subjective means gambling i am coming to realise after so many years

 

[padutrader]

But what's the reason you would say this?

should you stop using something that does not 'work'?
or should you investigate, if it is your management of the process, that is at fault.
almost everything when used by some people, does not work: even a screwdriver! some may use it on a bolt and say screwdriver is rubbish.

you cannot blindly use TA....you need to watch it like a hawk because everything in TA is subject to whipsaws; when that happens do not curse TA; concentrate on managing your situation so that you can survive to trade tomorrow.
trading is about survival because you are against a monster-the market-who has no affiliations.
anybody who has played golf knows it is similar to trading;a grind, a struggle for that one elusive good shot or home run.
trade passionately or not at all.
In this financial jungle be a Lion or a pussycat that roars like a Lion

 

[Zodiac4u]

yes ! subjective means gambling i am coming to realise after so many years

Not so negative when you throw in probabilities.

 

[padutrader]

Not so negative when you throw in probabilities.

yes
see my last post 87.

 

[Zodiac4u]

yes
see my last post 87.

To many negative stories there, Markets are here for one reason, to facilitate commerce (trade) and they also offer an opportunity for speculators to get in on the action.