Welcome back! If you just finished reading Part 2, today I’d like to talk about the importance of being patient.
If you’ve been trading for a while, you understand exactly what I’m talking about. And if you’re new to trading, the patience I’m referring to involves waiting for the “right” setup and not jumping into the market just because you feel ready or spot a little price flare. Experience comes with years of practice, including lots of studying and mentorship. Becoming a successful trader takes time. For some, it may take months; for others, years. But we’re always learning.
Don’t Give Up So Quickly
The key is not giving up. Most of what you’ll experience early on is about understanding the charts and watching how prices behave before and during market hours.
Depending on your trading style, you might find that trading before the market opens feels more relaxed and predictable. Or you may thrive during high-volume sessions when the market is open. Either way, it comes down to finding what fits your personality. There’s no “wrong” way to trade, just avoid over-risking or over-leveraging.
Learning Takes Time
When I first began trading, I noticed the emotional rollercoaster happening inside me and the coffee wasn’t helping either. You may want to cut back on that.
Once the market opens, price action can be intense. You’ll see that you could have made a profit here, there, and everywhere. That’s when emotions kick in and tempt you to jump in without a solid setup. It’s not easy, but learning to wait and be selective is part of the process.
You won’t catch every opportunity, and that’s okay. Success comes from long-term consistency, not short-term urgency. If you need a refresher on building your foundation, take a look at Part 1 of this series.
Patience allows you to wait for ideal setups instead of rushing into trades. It reduces emotional decisions and increases your chances of long-term success.
Ride the Wave
It’s better to patiently wait for a strong, high-volume trend and place one solid trade than to chase every small move and end up frustrated. Think like a surfer. Professional surfers don’t paddle out for every ripple, they wait for the right wave and commit with confidence.
Day trading is the same. Learn to observe, wait for the right setup, and ride your wave when the time is right.
For excellent free educational resources on the futures markets and trading concepts, I recommend checking out the CME Group’s Education hub.
Final Thoughts
Take your time. Learn. Be patient. The market isn’t going anywhere, and there will always be another opportunity. Stay focused, stay grounded, and don’t give up.
