I have finally reached a point that I am closing this journal. It has been a most interesting 2 years of recordings. I wish this journal had recorded a path to consistent trading where I could each day write how I just followed my plan and all was well, but alas, it does not. The only thing consistent in this journal has been my inconsistency. I have modified/changed charts, changed techniques, changed instruments, etc.....but the one thing I have not been able to change has been me.

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Big Mike, please close this thread.

I have finally reached a point that I am closing this journal. It has been a most interesting 2 years of recordings. I wish this journal had recorded a path to consistent trading where I could each day write how I just followed my plan and all was well, but alas, it does not. The only thing consistent in this journal has been my inconsistency. I have modified/changed charts, changed techniques, changed instruments, etc.....but the one thing I have not been able to change has been me.

I am working on that. I am re-reading Brett Steenbarger to work on my mindset. As FT71 says in his webinars, the monkey gets out of control at times, and the monkey must be caged. I also am going to switch brokers. Optimus has been fantastic to work with. I have nothing but great respect for the operation Matt runs there. But he does not have a platform with a built in daily loss limit, and quite honestly, I am not ashamed to admit that is a feature I need. I have used one before, and it gives me a much needed backup. I had a good number of days last year and this where at the end of the day, my loss well exceeded my planned daily loss limit. Additionally, there were many days were I exceeded the limit and the market turned around and bailed me out....those days were not good trading days even if they were profitable days.

Once I get things on track, I may come back with another journal.

It has been real, it has been fun, but not all times were real fun. Trade well.

Big Mike, please close this thread.

Might I add that in your broker search, you look for one that might allow a trailing equity stop....say trail by 30% once you reach a threshold....that way, once that equity trail stop kicks in, you can't lose more than 30% of your equity high...say it kicks in at $500, you keep trading until you either get tired, reach a goal or you lose 30% from there.....just a thought. Not sure if anyone offers that but worth a look.

On a side note, I've enjoyed your journal, your introspection and your ability to identify the real culprit behind your lack of consistent success. One thing I have learned from the journal process is that simplicity rules, conservative exits are better if I am a scalper and to just do the same thing over and over again to the point its boring in its repetitiveness. I think you realize these same things....

Anyway, looking forward to your next thread...

Never give up....

No, I am not giving up. I have decided to go with VanKar brokerage. They use the OEC platform, which allows you to set the daily stop yourself. I have been using TPO and/or volume profiles since this past December and I enjoy doing the pre trading analysis it calls for. When I looked at FT71's webinars, things started to click. His emphasis on risk and risk management seem like they will help. I am taking a short break from trading as I get accounts transferred/setup, do some reading, take a short family vacation to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary, do a small home remodeling project, etc.

Thanks for the kind words and the support over the last 24 months.....continued success to you....