Repeating the Same Mistakes

Anyone is allowed to make one mistake. When the mistake is repeated, watch out! The third repetition of the same mistake constitutes self-destructive habitual behavior that must be reversed. Stop all trading immediately, and thoroughly examine your self-discipline. Once the reason for the repetitive mistake is understood (usually fear, anger, greed, or guilt) it must be corrected before trading may begin again. Some traders lose money because they are atoning for guilt feelings or gifts they feel are undeserved. Such traders should donate funds to their favorite charities, not to other traders.

Any flaw in a trader's character, like greed, hatred, dishonesty, revenge, arrogance, etc., will soon result in a loss of money. Traders must know themselves as well as they know the markets, and vice-versa. Negative feelings towards any person, or one's self, must be replaced with the understanding that these feelings are choices the trader has made that will eventually cause personal and financial destruction. Negative feelings prevent the trader from realizing his maximum growth potential, because his choices for growth have been limited by his self-defeating thoughts. The mind's electrochemical network sends energy impulses throughout each atom of the body as it thinks. Thoughts create feelings experienced by the trader. Traders should take trades based on scientific price action analysis, not feelings. Deschapelles, the French chess champion, would give his opponent a pawn before the game began. This action always provided the necessary excuse for losing. Give nothing away when trading markets; enough will be taken from you.