After making money, the real test begins
Many people have experienced this state: after a few consecutive successful trades, they stop writing scripts, increase their positions, want to delay taking profits, and monitor the market more often, always feeling that 'this wave of state is invincible.'
I used to feel the same way; every time I made a big profit, I thought I was 'about to take off.' The result was a disruption in rhythm, and two or three losing trades would directly erase my profits.
So this time, I set three rules for myself to forcefully keep my state in check:
1. Only look at the market twice a day, and do not actively seek opportunities
The most common issue after making money is 'itchy hands,' wanting to jump in at any fluctuation. At this time, it’s even more important to reduce market stimuli, wait for signals, and not rush the rhythm.
2. Keep the position size strictly the same, do not add to it or 'confidently increase the position'
The easiest trap to fall into after making money is to increase the position, thinking, 'I’ve made a profit, so it won’t hurt even if I give some back.' But the problem is, once there’s a drawdown, the account curve explodes directly.
3. Force myself to stay out of the market for a day after consecutive profits, even if there are opportunities
This rule is harsh, but very effective. It allows me to completely detach from emotions and return to rationality. The market always has the next opportunity, but if the mindset is disturbed, you can’t stabilize with any amount of opportunities.
Although I have continued to make trades these past few days, I have controlled the overall rhythm very well. It’s not because I’m particularly steady, but because I realized in advance that 'after making money is the easiest time to explode.'
Trading has never been a game that ends with one victory; it’s a test of your ability to control yourself even after winning.
