Finding Balance In Trading
Updated: 6 days ago
Finding the right balance in trading is an important part of the trading process.
You need to find the right equilibrium for trading.
Too much time on the charts can have a detrimental effect.
The longer you are at the charts the more chance of
- Losing focus
- Burned out
- Taking low-quality signals
You have to see your focus as an energy meter that quickly reduces the more you stare at the charts and once it depletes then the higher chances of poor performance and self-sabotage becomes.
The truth of the matter is to be successful in trading you should spend:
80% of your time preparing and only 20% actually trading.
Most go into trading with kind of expectation but soon end up becoming slaves to the screens and end up watching every up and down tick of the market leading to burnout and underperformance.
What you have to realise is trading is a mental sport and just like any sport the real hard work should be in the preparation stages just like say an Olympic athlete would.
Let's take Usain Bolt, for example, he trains 4 years to run 100 meters in 9.58 seconds
Over 80% of the work is done in the background. Just like what a pro trader should do.
So you have to get yourself in peak condition to trade at your best.
Homework for you to do:
1. Create a solid pre + post routine
2. Implement optimal hours to trade to stay focused
By implementing these 2 simple things above you will find your trading and overall performance will start to improve.
You will now have more structure to your trading as well as a systematic process you can repeat day in and day out.
And most importantly it will be sustainable in the long-term
Final Thoughts
The aim is to trade well and that means knowing what will work for you best.
This means finding the right balance of hours to trade and creating a routine that empowers you and does not drain you.
Quick answers
How many hours a day should I spend on the charts?
There's no set number, it's about finding what works for you. The longer you sit at the charts, the more chance you lose focus, burn out and start taking low-quality signals. Set yourself optimal hours to trade so you stay focused.
Can too much screen time hurt my trading?
Yes. Think of your focus as an energy meter that drains the more you stare at the charts. Once it runs low, poor performance and self-sabotage become much more likely.
How should I split my time between preparing and trading?
Aim for roughly 80% of your time preparing and only 20% actually trading. Trading is a mental sport, so just like an athlete, the real hard work happens in the preparation.
What's the first step to finding balance in trading?
Start with two simple things: a solid pre and post trading routine, and set hours to trade so you stay focused. That gives you structure and a process you can repeat day in, day out, and it's sustainable long term.
Thank you for reading!
Have an incredible day my friend!
Alan
Want more like this?
I send one short email a week on the mental side of trading and keeping it simple. No hype and no signals. Join the free newsletter here.
Two more ways I can help, whenever you're ready:
Watch the free video on how I trade in about 10 minutes a day with simple, rule-based swing trades on the daily chart.
Read The Blueprint To Trading Psychology, my short book on why you break your own rules and how to stop.
About Alan
Alan Edward (The Divergent Trader) is a full-time trader. It took him about five years to get consistent, and he now teaches a simple, low-screen-time way to trade, plus the mental side that goes with it.
Trading carries a high level of risk and you can lose money. This post is for education only and is not financial advice.
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