For almost 5 years, I thought trading was a race and it was supposed to be a journey.

I was short on cash and needed it fast.

I chased huge wins.

I tried to make fortunes out of small accounts with one fell swoop.

And every time it was taken back by the market.

These were all things I did wrong that led to my loss of money every year:

• Too much leverage.

• Too much risk.

• Impulsive entries.

• Endless greed.

I believed that success is making the most money in the shortest period.

I was wrong.

Today it's a totally different style for me:

✓ I maintain a low leverage.

✓ Keep your money safe first.

✓ I am patient for good pullbacks.

✓ I stop trading when I hit my target.

It used to make me unhappy when it was just a 3% day, years ago. I wanted 30%.

At this time, it's a triumph if a 3% day can be achieved.

Because, consistency is better than excitement.

Tomorrow the market will be here.

There will be a next set up.

There shall be another chance.

The real downfall of traders is not typically their lack of strategy.

It's when they can't last long enough for a good strategy to take effect.

Take your focus off the short term maximization of profits.

The aim is to remain in the game five or 10 years down the road.

Protect your capital.

Control your emotions.

Respect risk.

Anything that can be done with careful trading over a long period of time can be done with reckless trading in short order.

The true power is longevity.