Disliked{quote} Hi Laura I've been meaning to ask you if you know of any reference materials i.e. textbooks that you would recommend. You mentioned Raghee Horner at the outset of Roadmap thread i think, but it sounded like you have moved on somewhat. Kind regardsIgnored
I reached a point where I realised that the battle I was undertaking wasn't really against the market, but against myself. By that I mean my strategies weren't really the edge, I was. Which sounds arrogant, so I'll explain
A lot of people are dismissive of trading psychology (or sports psychology/performance psychology or whatever) but I'm a firm believer in the power of it. One thing all manual traders can't escape is themselves. Their fears, hopes, neuroticisms, ego etc etc. I believe we have to find a place of psychological balance to trade to the best of our abilities. Sure, there are also technical factors that are important in terms of entries, trade management and exits. But as soon as a trader clicks the buy or sell button they have some emotional investment in the outcome.
My advice to all traders who aren't yet where they want to be is to find a mentor, if at all possible. The benefits of the guidance and support an effective and reliable mentor can provide are numerous. If that isn't possible (they aren't easy to find), you have a couple of choices. Find a trading partner and support each other along the journey or, better still, become your own trading coach. I am my own trading coach, for better or worse.
One of the things I asked my students to do in the early days was to keep a trading journal and, in addition to their entries and exits, honestly record exactly how they felt during the trade. Some did this task, others didn't. But I believe those who did gained a huge benefit from doing so. Having to consciously check in with yourself during a trade and examine what your thoughts and feelings are, and then document them, is a process I heartily recommend.
A student who achieved funded trader status was someone who took this task very seriously. They gained an insight around their emotional triggers that no textbook could teach. Their dedication to their own development is first class. I don't have any doubts this person will achieve their dream, to make a living from trading.
Sorry, this has perhaps headed in a direction away from your original question If you want recommendations of resources aimed at self-development I am happy to provide some. Where I can be of little help is recommending anything directly related to the technicalities of trading.
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