Wins and Losses are familiar to us all, the pain of loss and the joy of a win. There is no confusion there.
But, when we look at losing trades, most of the times it’s not the strategy that has failed but, rather, the trader.
Well, yes there is a good chance this described you. In this article I will talk about ways to change all that. Your stop loss order is a really good place to start, this should be decided before you place an order.
You can’t delve into the topic of position entry thoroughly without speaking of stops. The question is, “Why are stop losses used by so few investors?” If not using stops is a weakness for you then you want this info. This info could mean the difference between on time retirement with a fat nest egg or just ‘getting by’ at a later retirement date.
Plan and place stops equals your plan to win, and you are prepared to have a loss but make it through to continue trading. A look at the traders psychology of loss taking is in order here.
Every pro trader has to have a point in their minds denoting when they will get out, before they will get in. This has to be known before hand so that when the moment comes they can get out quick. This is a down-home basic knowledge the each pro-trader has to have.
Are you able to respond to these questions?
1.) How do you know if you should sit tight or cut your losses?
2.) When a stock is losing, do you have a guide that lets you know when to sell?
3.) Do you have a rule of when to move your stop to break-even?
If you can’t answer these questions, you’re not alone. And what it means is that you need to establish some rules for yourself, especially when you go to short stocks. But, all the trading rules in the world are meaningless if you don’t use them. That’s why you and I need to “talk turkey” about what’s really going on with you when you refuse to manage your risk in a proactive and professional way.
Refusal by an investor, to take a loss falls under two headings:
1. Admit they are wrong? No Way!
For many traders a realized loss is a huge admittance of being wrong and that is just too hurtful to acknowledge. To them it is linked to being a failure at life and their self image is directly affected by this perceived failure.
They personalize the loss and experience emotional pain. Many traders prefer to remain in denial instead of acknowledging their losses are causing them pain. This type of trader often has to lose it all before he begins to change (or gives up trading).
2. Taking that large of a hit would damage their portfolio greater than it can recover from.
Losses aren’t just on paper, they are real. The loss is what it is and the quoted price is it’s value.
These 2 situations are types of self-denial this problem is common with tons and tons of investors. Observe Merrill-Lynch, AIG, WAMU, Lehman.. and on and on…. you should be comforted to know that this self denial is not limited to just one income level or social status.
If this article is making you uncomfortable or bringing up feelings of anger or powerlessness, then that’s a good sign. It means you have enough self-awareness to change.
Winning and losing traders have a different view of the pain from a loss, winners don’t take it personally. They look at the loss and see that they need to change their approach or execution not that they are personally flawed.
Winning traders separate who they are from what they do. They know, or learn, that their trading faults lies in their approach or their skill level but not in their fundamental worth as a person. The pain they feel is quickly transmuted into motivation, which fuels their desire and determination to become a better trader.
You choose what to do with the losses, grow from the pain or give in and quit. Using the emotions for positive growth is what is important, not the fact that you had a loss.
Utilize faithfully my verified ETF Trend Trading System and develop winning habits. Practice the principles, keep an eye on your position size relative to your portfolio and the product will be an overall growth in your portfolio.
My constant reminders about proper stops and risks are one of the strongest parts of my one year mentorship program. Even after you understand my system 100%, it’s still good to hear me tell you, “Don’t move your stop” or “Be sure to take profits when the system says to, not too early and not too late.” Most my students like the mentorship part as much or even more than the course itself.
Learn how it’s very possible to make 6% per month in your investment accounts using etf trading! “Big A” is a recognized expert in the world of etf trading system & reveals trading & investment secrets that have been kept under wraps by hedge traders for years. Get his free report & webinar today!
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