2. Don't believe in a company -
Trading is not investment. Remember the numbers and forget the press
releases.
3. Don't break your rules -
You made them for tough situations, just like the one you're probably
in right now.
4. Don't try to get even -
Trading is never a game of catch-up. Every position must stand on
its merits. Take your loss with composure, and take the next trade
with absolute discipline.
5. Don't trade over your head -
If your last name isn't Buffett or Cramer, don't trade like them.
Concentrate on playing the game well, and don't worry about making
money.
6. Don't seek the Holy Grail -
There is no secret trading formula, other than solid risk management.
So stop looking for it.
7. Don't forget your discipline -
Learning the basics is easy. Most traders fail due to a lack of
discipline, not a lack of knowledge.
8. Don't chase the crowd -
Listen to the beat of your own drummer. By the time the crowd acts,
you're probably too late…or too early.
9. Don't trade the obvious -
The prettiest patterns set up the most painful losses. If it looks
too good to be true, it probably is.
10. Don't ignore the warning signs -
Big losses rarely come without warning. Don't wait for a lifeboat
to abandon a sinking ship.
11. Don't count your chickens -
Profits aren't booked until the trade is closed. The market gives
and the market takes away with great fury.
12. Don't forget the plan -
Remember the reasons you took the trade in the first place, and
don't get blinded by volatility.
13. Don't have a paycheck mentality -
You don't deserve anything for all of your hard work. The market
only pays off when you're right, and your timing is really, really
good.
14. Don't join a group -
Trading is not a team sport. Avoid stock boards, chat rooms and
financial TV. You want the truth, not blind support from others
with your point of view.
15. Don't ignore your intuition -
Respect the little voice that tells you what to do, and what to
avoid. That's the voice of the winner trying to get into your thick
head.
16. Don't hate losing -
Expect to win and lose with great regularity. Expect the losing
to teach you more about winning, than the winning itself.
17. Don't fall into the complexity trap -
A well-trained eye is more effective than a stack of indicators.
Common sense is more valuable than a back tested system.
18. Don't confuse execution with opportunity -
Overpriced software won't help you trade like a pro. Pretty colors
and flashing lights make you a faster trader, not a better one.
19. Don't project your personal life -
Trading gives you the perfect opportunity to discover just how your
own life really is. Get your own house in order before playing the
markets.
20. Don't think its entertainment -
Trading should be boring most of the time, just like the real job
you have right now.