Trading Psychology · Trading discipline · Article 4 of 4
Traders' Daily Rituals
Routines take decisions off your plate. When the basics happen at the same time and in the same order every day, your attention is free for the trades that matter.
CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly because of leverage. Make sure you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
A simple timetable
| When | What you do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Before you start | Check the economic calendar for the day's data and central bank events | No surprises from scheduled news |
| Before you start | Review open positions, stops and targets | Your risk is where your plan says it is |
| Before you start | Pick today's markets and mark the key levels | You know what you're waiting for |
| Before each trade | Ask yourself whether you're rested and calm | A poor state calls for smaller size or no trading |
| Before each trade | Run the six point checklist on the main page and work out your position size | Every trade meets your rules |
| During the session | Log each trade as you take it, with a word on your mood | Your journal stays honest |
| At your daily loss limit | Stop, however good the next setup looks | Small losses stay small |
| End of the session | Close the platform at a set time and finish your journal | Trading doesn't spill into the rest of your day |
| Weekend | Review your rule score and choose one change for next week | Steady, measurable improvement |
Make new habits stick: link them
A new habit is easier to keep when it follows one you already have. Your existing habit becomes the cue.
| After I… | I will… |
|---|---|
| Make my first coffee | Open the economic calendar |
| Log in to the platform | Check my open positions and stops |
| Close a trade | Write the journal entry straight away |
| Shut down for the day | Write one lesson from today |
