Jump to content

Welcome to the new Traders Laboratory! Please bear with us as we finish the migration over the next few days. If you find any issues, want to leave feedback, get in touch with us, or offer suggestions please post to the Support forum here.

  • Welcome Guests

    Welcome. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest which does not give you access to all the great features at Traders Laboratory such as interacting with members, access to all forums, downloading attachments, and eligibility to win free giveaways. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. Create a FREE Traders Laboratory account here.

james_gsx

Trading plan - self psychology

Recommended Posts

So I have been writing my trading plan for a while now, basically going over all of my strategies and exactly how I play them and my few exceptions. I was almost finished and about to type it all up when I realized I was missing something I think could be very important, my own self psychology.

 

For the last few days I have basically been staring at a blank piece of paper with a title at the top that says Trading Plan - Psychology. I can't seem to get it started, and I don't know how to start. I finally just started writing down some of my emotions that I have noticed before in different trades. For example I always feel uneasy with a quick scalp trade, yet in a pivot or gap play I am very calm.

 

But other than that, I'm not really sure what to put down here. I'm hoping some of you guys could help guide me and add some suggestions. I was thinking maybe I could write down some emotional rules, for example the other day my best friends dad died and I took the rest of the day off because of it.I knew I would make bad decisions. But what are some other things I could look at?

 

Thanks a lot.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
So I have been writing my trading plan for a while now, basically going over all of my strategies and exactly how I play them and my few exceptions. I was almost finished and about to type it all up when I realized I was missing something I think could be very important, my own self psychology.

 

For the last few days I have basically been staring at a blank piece of paper with a title at the top that says Trading Plan - Psychology. I can't seem to get it started, and I don't know how to start. I finally just started writing down some of my emotions that I have noticed before in different trades. For example I always feel uneasy with a quick scalp trade, yet in a pivot or gap play I am very calm.

 

But other than that, I'm not really sure what to put down here. I'm hoping some of you guys could help guide me and add some suggestions. I was thinking maybe I could write down some emotional rules, for example the other day my best friends dad died and I took the rest of the day off because of it.I knew I would make bad decisions. But what are some other things I could look at?

 

Thanks a lot.

 

The trader psychology aspect of my trading plan involves a software called Camtasia Studio.

 

http://www.techsmith.com

 

I record (screen video and audio) my trading day from entry to exit, from the first time I log on to when I log off.

 

This documents every day how I interacted with the markets and how other things in my life impacted my trading.

 

With that critical information, I can easily see things that have impact on my trading results that have absolutely nothing to do with my pattern signals.

 

For example, yesterday I traded with fear the entire trading day because I was having major ISP problems (their doing upgrades to their system).

 

Playing back my recording I can hear the frustration in my voice, anger and see that after I logged on to my system, I spent so much time trying to find a work around solution that my mouse movements on my screen shows that I wasn't prepared to trade when the market open.

 

My point, we all act differently to particular situations, Further, our reactions or interactions with the markets and our trading environment (at home or office) will repeat itself.

 

Thus, the best trading plan involving the psychological aspects of trading really can not be developed until after several problematic situations and if we don't document these problems...

 

It's too difficult to see how our personalities (who we are as a person) interacts with the markets.

 

Note: Make sure you have a powerful enough system to use Camtasia because their system requirements do not take into account that traders will be using it to record things like realtime graphs, broker platform, spreadsheets et cetera.

 

Also, I have no affiliation with Techsmith and I'm just a happy user of their program.

 

Mark

(a.k.a. NihabaAshi) Japanese Candlestick term

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree with Mark - Camtasia and/or SnagIt are great tools for your trading business. Using Camtasia as Mark does is a great idea and I use SnagIt to capture chart images and annotate them. You could then add those annotated charts into your Camtasia recording later if you wanted as well.

 

SnagIt: http://www.techsmith.com/snagit.asp

Camtasia: http://www.techsmith.com/camtasia.asp

 

Note - if you purchase both at the same time, you can save some money - http://www.techsmith.com/purchase/default.asp

 

** I also have no affiliation with techsmith, just a very happy user as well **

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Adding to the above, I occasionally use a webcam to record and watch myself for any cues of behavior changes that may reflect my mental and emotional state (a mirror is good too but having a view of yourself on screen keeps IN YOUR FACE). It helped me catch occasional habits that showed signs of distraction or nervousness. Hope that helps. Writing emotional stuff might be not enough, you need more visual and audio cues to point them out.

 

One other thing I use that became very effective problems of taking profits or getting out too early is the use of stopwatch or timer, either clock or computer timer (google gadgets). I think we get in a trade and watch and wait, it seems like hours have gone by. When I set the clock with an alarm with an objective to start with 5 mins holding the trade, then move to 6-7-8, etc. until my reality of time is in sync with my mind's concept of time. This is one of the few ideas to merge reality with our perception of reality.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

A quick question to Mark, you leave on audio recording on your video right? Do you talk yourself through the process of prepration and setups? Right now, I only have the audio off but trying to find a more effective way of using audio in it. Thanks.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

wow both those are fantastic ideas. i especially like the Camtasia idea. I could completely see just talking about what your doing in the trade instead of trying to write out a journal entry while the trade is going on.

 

how fast is a fast system to have Camtasia running on?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Guest cooter

It's also an excellent tool to not only improve your trading discipline, but to document any discrepancies or anomaly that you may need documentation for later on.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Guest cooter
We mentioned this to James before and he mentioned there is little server space since video files are huge.

 

That's why many sites use "YouTube" or "GoogleVideo" now instead of their own server storage.

 

In addition to saving bandwidth and storage space, you get the added benefit of international exposure on both sites, plus Google as well.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

With camstudio, you can save the files as .swf which makes the sizes signficantly smaller. You can then use the attachment to upload it directly or use the megaupload box to store in in a 3rd party server. Obviously storing on our server means it will never disappear.

 

I do encourage traders to take advantage of techsmith products as they are extremely useful for trading. And also, post them here! :) Recording visually and receiving feedback I think is one of the fastest learning methods. Visual learning by far beats reading.

 

Maybe I will create a seperate file storing feature where members can upload any type of file. This way, traders can post away their videos in their posts.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
A quick question to Mark, you leave on audio recording on your video right? Do you talk yourself through the process of prepration and setups? Right now, I only have the audio off but trying to find a more effective way of using audio in it. Thanks.

 

Hi torero,

 

Yes, most of the time I leave my audio recording on except for Monday's and Friday's because the kids are not at day care. :rolleyes:

 

As a at home based retail trader with my home office next to the kids play room...I do more typing in a chat room on Monday's and Friday's to compensate for the lack of info due to the audio being turned off.

 

I store all my daily trading recordings (video and audio) on DVD's that go back a few years worth of info.

 

Thus, after one week of recordings that's stored on my computer...I transfer them to DVD to keep.

 

Mark

(a.k.a. NihabaAshi) Japanese Candlestick term

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Today would have been nice for the pit audio. When I saw the huge sell off first take off I was pretty much lost and just had to go with what was on my screen. I really had no idea what was going on, who was selling, any of that. I was pretty much in the dark and I hated it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Very interesting Mark. I've only started a few months ago and I can see some improvement, but don't have a clear idea on what to look for when watching the video. Maybe the audio will help tremendously. I assume you self-talk into the mike from start to finish right? Please provide any info as I think this is the right way to improve. Thanks.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Identify each emotion - postivie or negative that will have a dramatic impact on your daily trading activity. Associate with each emotion, a set of action steps you will take and adhere to once the emotion is identified. Combine your emotions and action steps with your trade execution to assist you with developing new habits while eliminating old or bad ones.

 

For example, if you find that after a losing trade or series of bad trades, you get anxious to get back in the market, i.e., revengeful, set a rule to change and reduce your position size to indirectly assist you in risk management and protecting your capital. Another example, might be to pre-determine how much of your profits you are will to continue to risk in the market after reaching a daily target, hence helping address the emotion of "greed".

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Another example, might be to pre-determine how much of your profits you are will to continue to risk in the market after reaching a daily target, hence helping address the emotion of "greed".

 

 

Super topic Irushing... you see we had some discussions here in terms of calling a day after making a daily target.... I persoanlly do so, and normally If I keep trading I will start giving back my gains.... so I normally call the day when I make my daily target...

 

I think greed normally is as bad as fear... so putting a number to my greed has helped me a lot... also when the month finishes its also nice to see all numbers as expected...

 

Irushing : do you use daily targets ? cheers Walter.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • TDUP ThredUp stock, watch for a top of range breakout above 2.94 at https://stockconsultant.com/?TDUP
    • TDUP ThredUp stock, watch for a top of range breakout above 2.94 at https://stockconsultant.com/?TDUP
    • NFLX Netflix stock watch, local support and resistance areas at 838.12 and 880.5 at https://stockconsultant.com/?NFLX
    • Date: 8th April 2025.   Markets Rebound Cautiously as US-China Tariff Tensions Deepen     Global markets staged a tentative recovery on Tuesday following a wave of volatility sparked by escalating trade tensions between the United States and China. The Asia-Pacific region showed signs of stability after a chaotic start to the week—though some pockets remained under pressure. Taiwan’s Taiex dropped 4.4%, dragged lower by losses in tech heavyweight TSMC. The world’s largest chipmaker fell another 4% on Tuesday and has now slumped 13.5% since April 2, when US President Donald Trump first unveiled what he called ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs.   However, broader sentiment across the region turned more positive, with several markets rebounding sharply after Monday’s dramatic sell-offs. Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged over 6% in early trading, rebounding from an 18-month low. South Korea’s Kospi rose marginally, and Australia’s ASX 200 gained 1.9%, driven by strength in mining stocks. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 1.6%, though still far from recovering from Monday’s 13.2% crash—its worst day since the 1997 Asian financial crisis. China’s Shanghai Composite added 0.9%.   In Europe, DAX and FTSE 100 are up more than 1% in opening trade. EU Commission President von der Leyen repeated yesterday that the EU had offered reciprocal zero tariffs on manufactured goods previously and continues to stand by that offer. Others are also trying again to talk to Trump to get some sort of agreement that limits the impact.   Much of the rally appeared to be driven by dip-buying, as well as hopes that the intensifying trade war could still be defused through negotiations.   China Strikes Back: ‘We Will Fight to the End’   Tensions reached a boiling point after Trump threatened to impose an additional 50% tariff on all Chinese imports unless Beijing rolled back its retaliatory measures by April 8. ‘If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long-term trading abuses by tomorrow... the United States will impose additional tariffs on China of 50%,’ Trump declared on social media.   If implemented, the new tariffs would bring total US duties on Chinese goods to a staggering 124%, factoring in the existing 20%, the 34% recently announced, and the proposed 50%.   In response, China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a stern warning, stating: ‘The US threat to escalate tariffs is a mistake on top of a mistake... If the US insists on its own way, China will fight to the end.’ The ministry also called for equal and respectful dialogue, though signs of compromise on either side remain scarce.   Beijing acted quickly to contain a market fallout. State funds intervened to support equities, and the People’s Bank of China set the yuan fixing at its weakest level since September 2023 to boost export competitiveness. Additionally, five-year interest rate swaps in China fell to their lowest levels since 2020, indicating potential for further monetary easing.   Trump Talks Tough on EU Too   Trump’s hardline approach extended beyond China. Speaking at a press conference, he rejected the European Union’s offer to eliminate tariffs on cars and industrial goods, accusing the bloc of ‘being very bad to us.’ He insisted that Europe would need to source its energy from the US, claiming the US could ‘knock off $350 billion in one week.’   The EU, meanwhile, backed away from a proposed 50% retaliatory tariff on American whiskey, opting instead for 25% duties on selected US goods in response to Trump’s steel and aluminium tariffs.     Volatile Wall Street Adds to the Drama   Wall Street experienced wild swings on Monday as investors processed the rapidly evolving trade conflict. The S&P 500 briefly fell 4.7% before rebounding 3.4%, nearly erasing its losses in what could have been its biggest one-day jump in years—if it had held. The Dow Jones Industrial Average sank by as much as 1,700 points early in the day but later climbed nearly 900 points before closing 349 points lower, down 0.9%. The Nasdaq ended up 0.1%.   The brief rally was fueled by a false rumour that Trump was considering a 90-day pause on tariffs—rumours that the White House quickly labelled ‘fake news.’ The market's sharp reaction underscored how desperate investors are for any sign that tensions might ease.   Oil Markets in Focus: Goldman Sachs Revises Forecasts   Crude prices also reflected the uncertainty, with US crude briefly dipping below $60 per barrel for the first time since 2021. As of early Tuesday, Brent crude was trading at $64.72, while WTI hovered around $61.26.   Goldman Sachs, in a note dated April 7, lowered its average price forecasts for Brent and WTI through 2025 and 2026, citing mounting recession risks and the potential for higher-than-expected supply from OPEC+.       Under a base-case scenario where the US avoids a recession and tariffs are reduced significantly before the April 9 implementation date, Goldman sees Brent at $62 per barrel and WTI at $58 by December 2025. These figures fall further to $55 and $51, respectively, by the end of 2026. This outlook also assumes moderate output increases from eight OPEC+ countries, with incremental boosts of 130,000–140,000 barrels per day in June and July.   However, should the US slip into a typical recession and OPEC production aligns with the bank’s baseline assumptions, Brent could retreat to $58 by the end of this year and to $50 by December 2026.   In a more bearish scenario involving a global GDP slowdown and no change to OPEC+ output levels, Brent prices might fall to $54 by year-end and $45 by late 2026. The most extreme projection—based on a simultaneous economic downturn and a full reversal of OPEC+ production cuts—would see Brent plunge to below $40 per barrel by the end of 2026.   Goldman noted that oil prices could outperform forecasts significantly if there was a dramatic shift in tariff policy and a surprise in global demand recovery.   Cautious Optimism, But Warnings Persist   With both Washington and Beijing showing no signs of backing down, markets are likely to remain volatile in the days ahead. Investors now turn their attention to upcoming trade meetings and policy decisions, hoping for clarity in what has become one of the most unpredictable trading environments in recent years.   Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.   Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report. Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.   Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!   Click HERE to READ more Market news.   Andria Pichidi HFMarkets   Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
    • CVNA Carvana stock watch, rebound to 166.56 support area at https://stockconsultant.com/?CVNA
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.