The adjustment that may be required in moving from trading stocks exclusively to also trading SSFs, as well as the move from trading futures exclusively to also trading SSFs, could very well require a considerable adjustment in perspective, perception, and psychology. The psychological makeup of most traders is often tenuous even in the traditional markets. Adding SSFs into the trading plan may not only require a new view of the markets but could also significantly increase traders’ stress levels. Why? Many traders are concerned about “missing out on the trading action,” fearing they’ll be left behind. They fear losing their. | I CHAPTER THIRTEEN The Psychology of Single Stock Futures The adjustment that may be required in moving from trading stocks exclusively to also trading SSFs as well as the move from trading futures exclusively to also trading SSFs could very well require a considerable adjustment in perspective perception and psychology. The psychological makeup of most traders is often tenuous even in the traditional markets. Adding SSFs into the trading plan may not only require a new view of the markets but could also significantly increase traders stress levels. Why Many traders are concerned about missing out on the trading action fearing they ll be left behind. They fear losing their advantage to other traders by not having sufficient knowledge or experience. And all of these fears could easily affect trader psychology that as previously stated is often already fragile. I could tell you many things about different trading systems and methods that can be used in SSF trading along with the lessons I ve learned through long and hard experience but none of them would be more meaningful than the lessons I ve learned about discipline organization and psychology. The suggestions and directions I am able to give you about these three important areas for realizing success in 149 150 How to Trade the New Single Stock Futures futures trading are the most important information I can provide. In fact this could be the most important chapter in the entire book. I maintain that the single most important variable for success in futures trading is not the trading system you are using. Furthermore the speed of your computer the inside information you have the amount of trading capital you use or the broker with whom you are trading are not significant if your psychology is faulty. What eventually separates winners from losers commercial speculative shortterm long-term or otherwise is discipline in its many aspects and at its many levels. I The Persistence of Old Issues To most traders .
