One of the biggest problems I see new traders struggle with is the mindset that somehow trading can be appraoched differently from other ventures or activities. This is something which either comes from too much focus on the prospects of profits and easy wealth building (greed, in short) or from just not considering that it is an activity which requires skill to do well.

In Enhancing Trader Performance, Brett Steenbarger talks about trading as a performance activity. He relates it closely to athletics, but you could very easily extend the metaphor to any other activity which takes time and effort to progress in skill. The point is that you cannot expect to just jump right in and be an expert. You must progress through stages of understanding, competence, and experience.

Trading is easy. I mean pointing and clicking to buy and sell is about at simple as it gets.

Playing guitar is easy too. Just pluck or strum. No one thinks they are going to pick up a guitar and become the next Jimi Hendrix, though. They know it takes hours and hours of practice to develop even a basic ability to play, nevermind getting to the point of having people pay to listen to you.

Why do people think that things are different in trading?

Good trading requires learning and practice – just like anything else you want to get good at. There are no quick solutions. Don’t expect them, and don’t let anyone lead you to believe that there are.

Struggling with support & resistance and knowing what the key market levels are? Check out the Price Distribution Analysis methods I use.

Bookmark to:

Professional Trading: How Long to Get There, Are Good Genes Required?
Taking Your Trading to the Next Level
Millionaire Trader Advice
Take the Trading Long View
Only for Advanced Traders?