The Importance of Losing Small
Losses are inevitable, but small losses are easily overcome.
I put that first because if you don’t read anything else here, I want you to be sure and see that.
In fact, that one statement could be considered the key to my trading. I remind myself of it often, and when I’m staying disciplined, I am able to see it in action.
Take Monday for example. I took several trades…7 to be exact. I made money on only 2 of them (no, it wasn’t a great day), and yet my net P&L was only slightly red. Just a little bit negative – that’s all. It was a down day for me, and yet it was about as painless as they come. A minor loss. All because I was able to recognize quickly when I was wrong, and immediately focus on damage control.
The trading landscape has changed dramatically just in the past year. The market is moving differently, the stocks which are in focus are a different group, and there are even some new fees and rules making their way into the fray. Nonetheless, there is still one constant: the trader who is able to lose small is able to stay in the game. He’s able to survive, which means he’s able to profit. And that of course means he’s able to thrive.
Two Big Benefits
Keeping those inevitable losses at a minimum carries with it a pair of huge benefits…
First, when you’re wrong, the damage is far from devastating. Falling off a pony compared to falling off a Clydesdale sure makes it easier to get up and get back on that horse. And trading is all about getting back up. It’s an attitude thing. It’s important to stay in the game, and that means an occasional bump or bruise is far easier to overcome than the occasional amputation. The point is this – protecting the downside offers you a safety net to fall into. Why not use it?
Second, confidence stays high, and that’s a major factor for a successful trader. Confidence should be protected just as vigilantly as one’s capital, for it can be considered your psychological capital. Just as money isn’t easily replaced, confidence isn’t quickly replenished once it’s wrecked. Looking out for yourself by way of small and limited losses means you’re taking no big hits to your trading account or your psyche.
So on those days when you’re just not feeling it and you feel a step or two behind, be quick to recognize it and live to fight another day. Keep the damage minimized, and you’ll be able to return tomorrow fully prepared to erase that small deficit quickly.
Jeff White
President, The Stock Bandit, Inc.
Swing Trading & Day Trading Service
www.TheStockBandit.com
[tags]Stock Market, Day Trading, Stock Trading, Investing, Swing Trading[/tags]
Mark Wolfinger | Apr 8, 2009 | Reply
Good post. It’s sad but true that investors must be reminded of this often.
sot | Apr 8, 2009 | Reply
Spot on post…every now and then traders break this rule and lose big…without risk management one is pretty much gambling…
Goal is to cut your losers fast and let your winners run…
smtrader | Apr 10, 2009 | Reply
excellent reminder. as soon as my order get filled, my stop goes in.
TheStockBandit | Apr 10, 2009 | Reply
You said it right Mark, frequent reminders are needed. I do it as much for myself as for others!
Jeff
TheStockBandit | Apr 11, 2009 | Reply
Hey sot,
Doesn’t have to happen very often either, losing big is one of those things that will stay with you for a while. And gambling is what Vegas is for, I don’t want to do that with my trading account! I appreciate your comment, see you back here soon.
Jeff
TheStockBandit | Apr 11, 2009 | Reply
Hey smtrader,
That’s the way to do it…automatic follow-up with the safety net! Thank you for stopping by,
Jeff
newbie | Apr 11, 2009 | Reply
I think all great traders share this discipline. Read what Soros says about his talents and he puts the ability to spot his mistakes quickly as the main reason for his success.
You are in good company then Jeff!!!
TheStockBandit | Apr 11, 2009 | Reply
Good point newbie, I think having that discipline and also being willing to set the ego aside while in the midst of trading is what enables us to see our mistakes. Those who allow the ego to run rampant are “above” making mistakes, and that’s when the market can dish out some painful lessons. Thanks for your comments!
Jeff
Market Monkey | Apr 29, 2009 | Reply
Excellent interview Jeff 🙂 The focus you place in the interview is where, IMO, every trader’s focus eventually needs to lie after they’ve gone through the technical analysis phase.
MM
PS your above comment on ego reminded of the book “Egonomics” by David Marcum & Steven Smith…I’d highly recommend it. Not intended for a trading audience but very applicable all the same.
TheStockBandit | Apr 29, 2009 | Reply
MM-
Thanks for your nice comments, I do appreciate them! And you’re right, the T.A. phase is definitely one which every trader needs to go through. That alone would help most struggling traders right there.
I haven’t seen that book but will check it out, thanks for the reco!
Jeff