Creating Enlightened Traders

We are currently in the middle of a pretty powerful downturn in the market. This is a time when it is so helpful to have a plan—ideally one that you have created before the turn of events occurs. Having a plan that is thought through before it is needed is key. It is your compass … More The Power of the Plan

We all know that there are a lot of people who want to succeed as day traders–to have freedom over their time and destiny and create an independent way to make money. There are classes and strategies and invitations to trade everywhere. But according to many studies, most day traders lose money. Success is nowhere … More How Difficult Should Trading Be?

In November, I released a short video on gambling vs. trading. You can play it here. I’d like to make some comments on this topic because it is a key concept for the day-trader. Many outside of the trader world, like your friends and family, might assume that trading is gambling. That they are one-in- … More Are You Gambling or Trading?

If you’re still struggling to follow your rules and be successful as a trader, try out this tool I use and see if it helps. It’s a simple tool I’ve used with several traders to help them deal with a specific area that bothers them and consequently affects their trading. If you are holding resentment, … More Still Struggling? Try this Simple Tool. . .

Why Work with a Trading / Mindset Coach There are many books on the market for stock traders, to help with your trading mindset and psychology. I find these books fascinating and interesting and often right on the money with the topics they discuss. My question is, “do they help?” I think for some people, … More Why Work with a Trader/Mindset Coach

I know sometimes when I sit down to trade I say to myself I’m just going to take a quick look and do a quick trade. And then three hours later I’m still there! I don’t know if this happens to you, but I wanted to write briefly about the importance of time boundaries around … More Managing Your Trading Time

In my experience as a trader and coach, I have come to see the market as a big, gigantic mirror. So, when we look into it (or trade in it) we see ourselves! What does that mean? Well, as traders, we are focused on things like charts, implementing strategies, using indicators, seeking out opportunities for gains, … More The Market as A Mirror

The way that you place your stop can have a significant outcome on the results of your trade. I just coached a client through this, and it had such a positive impact on him I decided to share it. How do you place the stop? Do you place the stop at the start of the … More The Importance of How You Place Your Stop

 To be consistently profitable as a day trader, one of the critical tools to have in your toolbox is a trading plan. The trading plan is the map, it’s the recipe, the formula, and the guidelines of what you’re going to do every day in your interactions in the market.  Having a trading plan ensures … More What’s in Your Trading Plan?

Hi Traders, Have you wondered, “does meditation help my trading?”In our endless search as traders for the secret tools that can help us be successful, meditation is commonly turned to. The question is, does it help? My opinion on this…it certainly does not hurt. The more you do it consistently, the more benefit you will … More Meditation, Does it Help?

Hi Traders, Well time has gotten away from me and it’s been a while since I’ve written! I suppose I have been somewhat in hibernation like some of you.  These are certainly different times, strange and filled with surprises. As I’ve talked with clients and friends these last few months, I’ve noticed the variety of experiences people are … More Challenging Times

As they embark on attempting to make a living as a trader, many traders choose to get a formal trading education. Others pursue education after they’ve had one or more disappointments in the market. Some may elect to forgo education in exchange for information garnered from reading trading books or going to trader meetings. Whether … More The Two Sides of Trader Education

Happy New Year, Traders! As we embark on 2020 let’s take a look at where you’ve been, how your trading has progressed, and where you want to head into the future. The new year is a great time to review this and to look at desires and goals for the coming year. When I work … More How to Plan for the New Year

Let’s talk about tracking your trades. . . Most traders know that this is a good daily practice, although they don’t do it. When we think about tracking trades, it often includes recording entry and exit, profit and loss, and other “technical” stats. When working with traders, I encourage them to also track feedback related … More The One Factor that Crushes Traders’ Success

Don’t think about it too long. Yes, of course you’re going to lose money! It sounds silly to even ask or to think about and yet so many traders secretly think they’re not going to lose money. They think they know what the market is going to do, and they’re going to jump on board and … More Are You Going To Lose Money Trading?

So traders, what becomes most important now in this heightened market volatility? One answer might be stepping back from taking trades if you’re not feeling comfortable with your ability in this volatility. Another answer might be making sure that you have a plan, that’s well thought out and works, and one that you can follow. … More Fasten Your Seatbelt

As a trader, you probably have set trading goals. For example, you may want to make 10% a month or 50% a year profits. Or you might want to make $5,000 or $10,000 a month. Our goals tend to focus on results, like how much money we want to make, or something we want to … More What Are Your Goals?

When you think of the market, you probably think of the two main elements: you and the market. When you think about you, what do you think about? How much money you want to make? If you’re going to have a successful day trading? What strategy to use? What’s the market going to do today? … More The Trader and the Trade

I’d like to talk about the topic of control in the market. It may not be something that you think about often, but it has a huge affect on your trading. Firstly, let me say that as traders, we have no control over the market. None. Zip. However, in a sense, we do try to … More Who Is In Control?

Have you ever been hunting?  As an animal lover, it’s not a sport that I am personally interested in trying.  Whatever your point of view on the pursuit, traders looking to improve results may want to learn some tips from how hunters set themselves up to take the perfect shot. The “winners” in hunting know that … More Are You A Sharp Shooter?

There was such a great response to my holiday gift that I decided to extend the offer through the end of the month.   If you have been on the fence about coaching, there’s a little more time to take advantage of the 30% off the 1st month of coaching offer. Not sure if coaching is … More There’s Still Time

The new year is rolling in! As we turn the corner to 2019, and you’re thinking about the next year and you’re trading, ask yourself how am I doing? Am I where I want to be? If you’re not, don’t despair. . . you’re not alone! 90 to 95% of traders are not profitable. So … More New Year. New You?

I hope many of you will enjoy some time off with friends and family this holiday season.  How ever you spend the holidays, please accept my warm wishes for a cozy celebration and a peaceful (and profitable) New Year. For those of you that have been trying really hard this year but have not seen … More A Gift For You – Holiday Special

Still struggling to be profitable? The trouble may be the way you view the market. Or, the “relationship” you have with it (how you relate to it). “Relationship with the market?” you ask. . . Yes! It makes a difference how you see it! Friendly, fun, evil, unfair, etc. Let’s take a look. In my coaching … More How Do You See the Market?

Are you creating the trading success you desire? If not, it’s possible your emotions are getting in the way. Here are five signs your emotions may have run amuck! 1. It’s ground hog day. It’s Monday morning and you are starting “fresh” this week! You swear you won’t make the same mistakes you made last … More Could Your Emotions Be Controlling Your Trading?

Are you wondering what sets apart a successful trader from all the rest? This was the topic of my recent interview with Talking Trading. I explain why traders need to scrutinize themselves as much as the markets. To learn more about the hidden secrets to trading success, listen to the interview here http://talkingtrading.com.au/innerworks-trading-2/ Talking Trading is … More Hidden Secrets for Trading Success Interview

It never fails. Five minutes into a car ride kids always seem to ask, “are we there yet”. And then they ask again, five minutes later. It doesn’t matter if the journey is 15 minutes or two hours. “Are we there yet” is on replay. They might not even know how to tell time or … More Are We There Yet?

Many traders intellectually understand how setting and adhering to trade limits is sound trading strategy. However, when confronted with the inevitable, an actual trading loss, they totally lose all reason and don’t get out of the trade. So, why can’t some traders take the loss? What’s behind this self-sabotage? The belief that one might be … More Are You Losing It?

Have you ever found yourself uptight, anxious, and tense while trading–even in the middle of a winning or neutral trade It’s likely the result of a surge of stress hormones–adrenaline and cortisol. In my experience the source of the stress is not the trade, per se, it is what’s happening in your mind. The ideal … More Keep Calm and Trade On

I’ve worked with hundreds of traders and have heard this phrase said, “as soon as I start making money, I’ll be okay” countless times. Are you okay? I am asking because as traders we seem to have it backwards. We think that when we are successful in the market, we will be okay. It doesn’t … More Are You Okay?