Separating fact from fiction is crucial for success when it comes to trading. Especially all over social media we see many lies perpetuated by fake traders. In this post, we cover a few lies we believed when we first started off trading and a few extras that are still shared wide.
Myth 1: You Must Be Profitable Every Month to Be Successful
One of the most pervasive myths in trading is the idea that success equates to being profitable every single month. A trading journey is filled with ups and downs and that includes periods of losing, also known as drawdown periods. Consistency in trading doesn't necessarily mean constant winning; rather, it's about maintaining a steady approach, managing risks, and learning from the inevitable losses over time - this is true consistency. This perspective shifts the focus from short-term gains to long-term growth and resilience.
Myth 2: There's a Perfect Strategy for Everyone
The quest for the "Holy Grail" strategy often leads traders down a rabbit hole of endless searching and strategy-hopping. There's no one-size-fits-all strategy in trading. Success comes from finding a strategy that aligns with your personality, goals, and risk tolerance. It's about adapting and refining your approach based on experience and market conditions, rather than seeking an elusive perfect strategy.
Myth 3: Retail Traders Can't Compete with Big Funds
Another common misconception is that individual retail traders stand no chance against the big hedge funds and institutional players. However, as retail trader's we have unique advantages that big institutions do not - Flexibility, speed, and the ability to quickly adapt to market changes offer retail traders opportunities that larger entities, with their cumbersome decision-making processes, can't easily exploit.
Overcoming Psychological Barriers
We both started off with a victim and scarcity mindset but in trading, this type of belief system will hold you back to your true potential. Having a scarcity mindset will lead to over trading and over sizing on positions; this can lead to blown accounts and burned out minds.
The Importance of Education and Adaptability
One of the key takeaways is the critical role of education, self-awareness, and adaptability in trading. The trading journey is one of constant learning and self-improvement. Whether it's through reading books, listening to podcasts, or engaging in active self-reflection, traders must continuously seek to enhance their knowledge and adapt their strategies to the ever-changing market dynamics.
By focusing on long-term growth, embracing continuous learning, and maintaining a disciplined approach, traders can navigate the markets more effectively and achieve sustainable success. As the trading landscape evolves, so too must the traders who wish to thrive within it.
Aloha! We are Glenn & Reid, founders of Hawai'i Trading Academy.
Our Mission: Empower & nurture traders.
Our Ethos: Integrity and transparency guide us as we focus on the essential pillars of trading success: Risk Management, Edge, and Psychology.