Survival of the fittest: The trader's primary rule and ultimate discipline

First rule of trading: Protect your capital

The market is like a jungle; only the fittest survive. Becoming a top trader relies not on predicting market trends, but on following the most fundamental rules of survival.

1. Save your bullets for the real prey

· Frequent trading equals depleting ammunition

· When a big opportunity arises, you may have no funds available

· Control single trade losses (usually no more than 1-2%)

· Learning to wait outside the market is also a skill

2. Be as picky as a hunter

Top hunters do not chase every target. Before each trade, ask yourself:

1. Is the risk-reward ratio ≥1:2?

2. Does it align with my trading system?

3. Is the current market environment favorable?

Discipline collapses with impulsivity after a series of losses. Maintaining patience is maintaining strength.

3. Structured decision-making

"What is the reason for opening this position?" — Three levels that must be answered:

· Technical signals (not "I feel it will rise")

· Pre-set stop-loss/take-profit levels

· Record trade logic and emotions

4. Love the process, not the outcome

The market is uncontrollable, but the process is controllable. Successful traders:

· Trust the system rather than intuition

· Find satisfaction in each execution

· View losses as necessary tuition

· Gain freedom in discipline

Survivor's daily routine:

1. Morning planning of key price levels

2. Triple check before opening a position

3. Honest recording after market close

4. Weekly review to optimize the system

The market does not care about your dreams; it only responds to your discipline. When you stop trying to beat the market, and instead focus on overcoming your own impulses, compound interest will quietly reward your persistence.

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Protect capital, be selective of opportunities, execute the system, respect the process — this is the way of survival for traders.