Why do so few succeed?

Originally Posted by tunnel1x1

I think your argument may be more with Mark Douglas than me. I looked at the passage in his book only an hour ago and the words I used were what Douglas stated. When he states that the exercise is not about developing a winning system or improving your analytical skills and that even a mediocre losing system may be used, I'm not sure how I'm misinterpreting what he wrote. Again, I understand you may disagree with him. If I've misunderstood what he wrote, I'd be happy to be referenced to how so given the words he actually used.

Insights: Treat the market like a casino where you're the house. No individual trade (bet) is important. With a winning edge, over the long run, the house will make money even though it may lose a number of times, and sometimes a number of times in a row. You cannot predict which trade will be a winner. Do not get emotionally invested in any particular trade, whether winner or loser. Those are some. Even trading a losing system can help develop the correct frame of mind.

Originally Posted by the blades

the thing is, some of us profitably operate "systems" without all the years of sweat and tears that you've spent the last 3,000 posts telling us all about Soc. I can offer you a few tips if you like, in posts of less than 10,000 words

Maybe it's our greater ability, conduct or merit? You tell us, your majesty.

UTB

Originally Posted by Kunal

This needs to be nailed onto these threads.

He needs to make a distinction between "him" losing money, and his system losing money.
Maybe the thread should have been named "Why do so few trade profitable systems?"

Originally Posted by dbphoenix

Tunnel, I'm not arguing with anybody, either you or Douglas. But I'm talking about a book, not a passage.

Try to focus here. You do not have a consistently profitable system or strategy or plan or whatever one wants to call it. Therefore, if you're unsuccessful with it, all the self-examination in the world isn't going to improve your results if you do not also change your strategy.

If this makes no sense to you now, then perhaps it will make sense before you go bankrupt.

Originally Posted by SOCRATES

Dear Sheffield,

thank you very much indeed. It is very kind and considerate of you to offer.

But it is best if you operate your system and get all the benefits for yourself.

I am not as fortunate as you to have so many gadgets.

All I know, is how to press buttons and make showers of points every time, and, although it is embarrasing as I feel others ought to have a chance as well, I don't want to change what I have, lest I become contaminated with mainstream ideas, and become like everybody else.

Merit, Ability and Conduct is for the few, only for the very few, who can resist all the temptations that lead to being ordinary.

KInd Regards.

Originally Posted by DepthTangent

I used to think that there was something fishy going on in the various markets. How could I be so close, so "unlucky" so often, very nearly on the edge of a regular profit, but never quite being given enough to survive, yet still the carrot that was dangled before oneself hypnotised me into maintaining market participation. Now I'am absolutely certain there's something fishy going on! There's so many aspect's to consider along the road to achieving market resonation that I cannot bear to think about them all. Well I can actually, its who I am now, know the drill boys ?

Originally Posted by charliechan

but here in my dear friend lies the problem. often, it is not the system that is broken, but the operator. therein lies the answer to this rather lengthy thread!

self examination could well reveal why one isnt able to follow a-b-c.

a good trader with a poor plan will make more money than a poor trader with a great plan ANY DAY OF THE WEEK!!!!!