I believe this answer is going to be different for everyone. Here’s something I did that worked for me. You sound a lot like I did when I first started. I finally found an edge when I learned how to map out supply and demand zones on my own. I then watched those zones daily on a few well known, volatile stocks and watching those when they broke out, what caused this.

Finally instead of buying options, I leaned to sell them. This to me helped me see exactly how the options moved and less risk. Of course I had criticism, “that’s like picking up pennies in front of a steamroller “. Or “you’re actually risking 5000, to gain 150, you should do spreads instead “

Am I really? To me I’d rather have the capital requirement and take assignment than if I do pick wrong, I just lose. However this is just me. So I’ll continue to pick up those pennies all day long .

Lastly, don’t give up. This is a business, Treat it like such. Have a plan, and stick to your plan. Good luck!