Every Forex trader, whether he be a novice or experienced, has heard talk of the discipline needed to trade Forex successfully. There is no way a concept like disciplined trading can be over-emphasized. The time for free-wheeling and “let's put it all on the line” kind of thinking should be reserved for your infrequent trips to Las Vegas, or your more infrequent trips to Atlantic City, or your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Monte Carlo.
Forex trading is not gambling and a Forex trader should not trade like it is. Well, to a certain extent it is gambling; but it should be treated like any business venture is a gamble. There are certain risks, and there are certain rewards, and there is a basic ratio which is present in all ventures – business or otherwise.
Forex Trader is a Business Owner
You, the Forex trader, is not only a business man but a business owner. It obviously is not a brick and mortar concern, but psychologically it can be treated as such. You should have business hours. You should discipline yourself into working certain hours and sticking to those hours. A Forex trader is not an employee and odds are you're not going to get over-time for working too much. If you are having a rough day at the office, most times, as is true with any business, it's best to call it a day and come back fresh and fighting tomorrow. A tired Forex trader is one that is off his game and is setting himself up for more losses; which adds to more frustration; which adds to more losses.
Stick To Your Trading Plan
in Forex trading. Everyone has bad days. Your dentist has bad days. Hopefully, those bad days aren't when you are in the chair – but if you ask him he'll tell you he has bad days. When your dentist has a bad day, he doesn't drill twice as many teeth the following day. He sticks to what is on his appointment book. The Forex trader is no different. You have a game plan and it should be followed. You don't have to do twice as good to make up for anything. Those intricacies should be already in your plan.
You should be keeping a journal of your activities. A good business keeps an inventory, and in a Forex trader's case, it shouldn't just be what is or isn't in his account. One of the most difficult things to absorb is that you're in it for the long haul. It's not a sprint. It's a marathon. And like any marathon, pacing is key to finishing a great race. The only reason you should be concerned with what happened yesterday is to learn something that you can apply to today and tomorrow. Do not beat yourself up over it. Learn from it. All education costs money (well, maybe not all education – but certainly a lot of it).
Accept your losses as you would your profits. It's an easy thing to say, but the truly successful trader is actually able to do it. On a day to day basis. There is no such thing as 'catch-up' to the successful trader because that philosophy is based on the past. The successful trader is too busy trading today and has no time to be concerned with what happened yesterday.