Survival and Money Making in the Financial Market: Lessons from Over 10 Years of Experience

The financial market is a battlefield. This is where assets are created and lost, often in the blink of an eye. For more than a decade, I have been immersed in this world, navigating its dangerous waters, and I want to share the insights that have changed my approach to survival and making money in this high-risk arena. Understand the nature of the market Basically, the market is a zero-sum game. For every buyer, there must be a seller; for every winner, there must be a loser. This dynamic ensures that the majority - over 90% of participants - will lose. It seems almost predetermined, as if the market structure reflects the natural order of society: a small elite group succeeds while the masses struggle. This awareness may be disheartening, but understanding this truth is the first step to changing your approach. As a new trader, I believed that the market was manipulated by powerful entities such as banks, whales, and other organizations. But experience has taught me otherwise. While these big players have significant influence, they are not invulnerable. They are also speculators navigating uncertainty. The main difference lies in their mindset, strategy, and discipline - qualities that set them apart from the average trader. Shift of Focus: From Technical to Psychological Initially, I immersed myself in technical and fundamental analysis, studying charts, indicators, and market trends. However, despite mastering these tools, I still struggled to achieve consistent success. This made me realize something important: understanding the mechanics of trading alone is not enough. To truly excel, I need to understand the psychology of winners. I happened to read Maxwell Maltz's book Psycho-Cybernetics, which became a turning point in my journey. The book emphasizes the power of self-image and the process of mental regulation in achieving success. By applying the principles of the book, I began to adjust my mindset according to the mindset of successful traders. Here's what I've learned: Think differently: Most people tend to act on emotions, driven by fear and greed. However, successful traders approach the market with rationality and detachment. They do not chase trends or panic in times of recession; instead, they adhere to their strategies and trust their process. Discipline cultivation: Successful trading is not about executing the right transactions, but about risk management. Winners carefully plan their trades, set clear stop-loss levels, and never let emotions control their actions. They understand that losses are part of the game and focus on minimizing them. Apply Long-term Perspective: Most traders are obsessed with short-term profits, which often leads to impulsive decisions. Successful ones think in terms of probability and long-term results, knowing that small profits can accumulate into substantial assets over time. Build a solid foundation With the change in psychology, I have reconsidered my trading method and incorporated the following principles: Risk management: Never risk more than you can afford. I abide by the 1% rule, where no trade poses a risk of more than 1% of my total capital. Continuous learning: The market is always changing. It is very important to constantly update information and adapt. I take time to study market behavior, fine-tune my strategies, and learn from both success and failure. Patience and consistency: Winning in the market is not about frequent trading, but about trading right. Patience allows you to wait for high-probability setups, and consistency ensures that you stick to your plan without deviating. Mastering emotions: Fear of loss and greed for quick profits are the biggest traps. Developing the ability to recover emotions helps you stay calm and make rational decisions even under pressure. The difference between the winner and the loser Finally, the difference between winners and losers in the market depends on mindset and behavior. While most people react, winners take initiative. They are not influenced by market noise or the opinions of others. Instead, they rely on their own analysis and intuition, honed through experience and self-discipline. The market is not an enemy or a manipulative force; it is a reflection of the collective behavior of human beings. By understanding this, you can position yourself on the side of victory. Success is not guaranteed, but with the right mindset and approach, it will become possible. Final thoughts Surviving and making money in the financial market is a journey of self-discovery as well as trading. It requires you to think differently, embrace uncertainty, and constantly strive for improvement. The big players are not invincible; they just operate with a level of discipline and perspective that most people lack. By applying their mindset and refining your approach, you can also tilt the odds in your favor. Remember, the market rewards those who are prepared and disciplined.