The Hardest Part About Trading Isn't The Charts-Its Your Mind

When I first started trading, I thought the key to success was all about the strategy. If I could just figure out the right indicators or master technical analysis, I’d be unstoppable.

But the truth hit me hard. I wasn’t losing because I didn’t understand the charts—I was losing because I didn’t understand myself.

Here’s how I learned that the biggest battle in trading isn’t with the market—it’s with your own mind.

Lesson 1: Stop Obsessing Over Results

I used to get way too caught up in the outcome of every single trade. A win would make me feel on top of the world, but a loss? That would send me into a spiral. I’d overanalyze, doubt myself, and sometimes even swear I was done trading altogether.

One day, I realized I was focusing on the wrong thing. Instead of asking, “Did I win or lose?” I started asking, “Did I follow my plan?”

That simple shift changed everything for me. I started measuring success by how consistent I was, not by whether every trade was a winner. The funny thing? Once I started doing that, the wins came more naturally.

Lesson 2: Losses Aren’t Failures
I’ll never forget the trade that wiped out 30% of my account. It was gut-wrenching. I felt like I’d failed—not just as a trader, but as a person.

It took me a long time to understand that losses are part of trading. Even the best traders take hits. What separates the pros from the rest is how they handle those losses.

Now, instead of beating myself up, I treat losses as a chance to learn. Did I miss something in my analysis? Did I break my rules? Sometimes, the market just didn’t cooperate, and that’s okay.

Lesson 3: Don’t Let Emotions Run the Show
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve let emotions wreck me. Chasing losses, revenge trading, doubling down on bad positions—I’ve done it all. And every single time, it made things worse.

The biggest game-changer for me was journaling my trades. Not just the technical stuff, but how I felt during the trade.

-Was I calm or anxious?
-Was I trading because it was a good setup or because I felt like I had to?

It was eye-opening to see how much my emotions were driving my decisions. Now, if I feel frustrated or off, I don’t even touch the charts. I’d rather miss a trade than make a bad one.

My Biggest Takeaway I Learned
Trading isn’t just about the market—it’s about you. The strategies, the charts, the setups—they’re important, but they’re not enough. You need to master your mind if you want to master the market.

I’m not perfect, and I still have tough days. But every step I’ve taken to manage my emotions, stay consistent, and focus on the process has brought me closer to where I want to be.

If you’re struggling with the mental side of trading, I get it. I’ve been there. Send me a DM or check my profile—I’m happy to share what worked for me and help however I can. You don’t have to do this alone.

Kris/Mindbloome Trading
Trade What You See