10 Key Trading Rules
1. Only trade with money you can afford to lose
Never trade with money you cannot afford to lose. This adds unnecessary pressure, leading to poor trading decisions and worse performance.
2. Never trade without a plan
Make sure you have a clear trading plan before entering any market. This helps you maintain discipline and reduce emotional decision-making.
3. Learn from your mistakes
Every trader makes mistakes, but the key to long-term success is learning from them. Reflect on your losses and missed opportunities to identify patterns and improve your strategies.
4. Make peace with losses
Losses are a part of trading; you must accept them and avoid letting them affect your judgment. Making peace with losses allows you to move on quickly and avoid impulsive decisions.
5. Use proper risk management
Effective risk management can protect your capital and ensure your long-term survival in the market. Trading without risk management is like driving without a seatbelt—disaster is just a matter of time.
6. Do not compare your trades to others
Comparing your trades to others can easily lead to frustration and strategy changes. Instead, focus on your own goals, risk tolerance, and performance, and develop the strategy that suits you best.
7. Maintain a long-term perspective
Trading is a marathon, not a sprint. Keeping a long-term perspective allows you to focus on your overall trading goals and resist the temptation to chase short-term gains.
8. Treat trading like a business
Approach trading with professionalism and discipline, just like running a business. This includes setting clear goals, tracking performance, and managing your capital well.
9. Always protect your capital
Without capital, you cannot trade, so the safety of your funds is key to long-term success. Prioritize measures to protect your capital, such as using stop-losses and avoiding excessive leverage.
10. Know when to stop trading
Whether due to fatigue, excessive losses, or changing market conditions, knowing when to stop can help you avoid impulsive decisions and return to the market in a clear and focused state.