[BillF]

Burtakus

Spot on - trading psychology is the essence of trading - the usual estimate is 80% with Money management and entry method being the last 20%.

My own experience mirrors yours - finding a profitable system is no mean feet, showing it is consistently profitable is even harder. I have to trade a system for at least 30 sessions before I can statistically judge its consistency. While doing so I double my losses and reduce my profits by a third to make the bottom line outcome per session more realistic. Tough but inexpensive in comparison to trading false expectation's.

The keys are all within yourself - discipline in following your own rules and keeping emotions at bay. I have a small "mindset" questionnaire I fill out before trading. It asks 20 odd questions dealing with my state of mind and body (Do I have a sore back?, did I sleep well...). I find if I score over 20 I always lose money!! It is better not to trade and preserve trading capital than trade with the wrong mindset and lose.

Bill....