The interesting thing about trading is that everybody goes through the same kind of process.
I’ve been trading for 20 years and mentoring for over 10. The recurring questions and things that people struggle with are the same. And this should inspire you.
Table of Contents
The Big Picture
If you ever think that you are somehow unique or the problems you struggle with are different, I’m telling you…
They’re not.
Every day I talk to traders and it’s always the same stuff.
Now, I think that’s a good thing.
So, maybe when you get down on yourself or think you’ve got a unique problem, understand that we all go through this crucible.
Three to Four Years To Forge Lifelong Success?
It took me between three and four years, okay? Three to four years of nothing but pain and suffering.
If I were to ask you if you’re willing to go through three to four years of struggle but after that you’d be a successful trader, would you do it?
Now, things are different today. I don’t think you have to spend three to four years of pain and suffering because…
Today’s Technology Is Far Superior
Books. When I got started that’s all I had.
There was no livestream, YouTube didn’t exist, and I had a Motorola Razr. I couldn’t connect with real-time Wi-Fi on my phone. It was 2G cellular!
Before I get yelled at, I know Wi-Fi existed 20 years ago. But it wasn’t everywhere.
Now, with all these technologies we have today, you can get a question answered in real time. If you have trading questions, I do a livestream every Sunday night. Yes, I answer your questions in real time.
Now, you’re never going to reduce the crucible to weeks or even months. That’s just completely unrealistic. Understand that it takes time. You’ve got to make the mistakes.
But if you get down on yourself, or frustrated, just understand that everyone goes through it.
It’s the Same Battle for Every Successful Trader
Again, your problems are not unique.
If you ever wonder what gets someone through that crucible, it goes back to the old idea that Sykes harps on about…
Small losses. Cut your losses and protect your account. Avert disaster.
The one unifier, the difference between those who do, and those who don’t make it is….
The traders who avert disaster forge success in the market’s crucible.
My Take
I’ve said this before, and it’s worth saying again…
No one trade will make your career, but one trade can end your career.
It’s very common. People put in weeks, months, and possibly years of consistency…
And then there’s that one rogue wave that ends it all.
So, whatever you can do to avert disaster, that’s what will keep you in the battle long enough to forge success.
Remember, mistakes are part of it. Losses are part of it. Now, keep in mind that losses are not mistakes. No one ever will have a 100% win rate. So, if losing is built into what we do, that doesn’t mean losing trades are bad trades. Get it out of your head that losing is bad.
But if you can avert disasters and “blow up your account” situations…
That is what separates the people who make it through the crucible from those who don’t.
Watchlist
Ask anyone about Blackberry Limited (NYSE: BB) and they’ll tell you about the old phones with physical keyboards.
Not only is Blackberry no longer a failing smartphone company, it (and the stock) are on the up.
BB, 6-month, daily candles, multi-week breakout
BlackBerry is a real company so the stock tends to move a little slower. Here’s the 5-day chart:
BB, 5-day, 5-min candles, swing trade idea
Now, BB is more of a swing trade idea. But it’s a beautiful looking chart.
On My Radar
- I agree with the FDA on this one. Love my Zyn
- JPMorgan Morgan is investing in America’s defense. I was talking about this a year ago.
- I didn’t set out to be a celebrity, but Greg says I am, so…
- Reminder again: markets closed Friday for America’s 250th
- In case you didn’t believe me about the Zyn. The lovely Mrs. Bohen treated me for our recent 26th anniversary…
© 2026 T. Bohen Zyn courtesy of the lovely Mrs. Bohen