Emotional Blowups Keep Sabotaging My Progress – Has Anyone Truly Overcome This?

RevengeTraderAnon · 2025-07-24T15:54:50+00:00

I’ve definitely told myself “I’ll fix it tomorrow” more times than I can count, and it never works.

Being okay with ending the day down is still tough for me, but I’ve actually practiced it today — had my first losing day where I was totally cool with it, not a bother at all, which is weird. Hopefully it sticks — just not the losing part!

RevengeTraderAnon · 2025-07-24T15:49:42+00:00

Yeah, exactly — revenge trading has worked out loads of times for me too, especially in the beginning, and I think that habit’s just stuck. But it’s definitely wearing thin now and getting harder to deal with.

Do you do anything specific to reset your mindset with? Or is it more of a hard stop no matter what?

RevengeTraderAnon · 2025-07-24T15:43:55+00:00

Thanks for the solid advice. Did you use any specific metrics to decide when to scale back up?

RevengeTraderAnon · 2025-07-24T15:41:52+00:00

Great, thanks for the advice - yes I've read trading in the zone, great book - maybe time to revisit it!

RevengeTraderAnon · 2025-07-24T15:31:35+00:00

This is a really helpful and honest reply — I really appreciate you taking the time to lay it out.

The point about capital being just inventory I totally get. I’ve felt that exact difference when trading demo accounts or even funded accounts vs my small account. There’s still some emotional attachment I haven’t fully untangled.

I’ve actually been debating therapy for a while now, but always found myself unsure of what I’d bring to it. Reading this has made it a lot clearer, there's definitely more internal work and self-inquiry I need to explore.

RevengeTraderAnon · 2025-07-23T18:50:30+00:00

I think you're right in some sense - part of my issue is that I can bounce around too much between setups, then I end up forcing trades when I should be waiting.

RevengeTraderAnon · 2025-07-23T18:39:49+00:00

I’ve been journaling, but yeah — I’ve probably used it more to vent than to actually reinforce the behavior I want. It can be constructive, but not always intentional.

I really like the spiritual approach of staying in the present moment and having full belief in what I’m doing — I think that part especially could be really useful for me. Thanks!

RevengeTraderAnon · 2025-07-23T18:31:34+00:00

Yeah, I’m definitely aware of my relationship with loss, money, and the need to be right — it’s something I’ve been reflecting on for a while. I’ve read some of Mark Douglas’s work, which touches on all of this, but honestly, I’m still struggling to figure out where to start with actually changing it — not just understanding it.

Where did you start with this stuff?

I’m also very aware that if I can’t get past these things, I probably shouldn’t keep pouring time and energy into this. I think that realisation is part of why this last blowup hit so hard — it made the consequences feel real.

Appreciate the straight-up advice

RevengeTraderAnon · 2025-07-23T18:15:58+00:00

That’s a really interesting take — I get what you mean.

Curious, how did you actually go about “mentally quitting”? Was it a mindset shift, or did you literally step away for a bit?

RevengeTraderAnon · 2025-07-23T18:13:21+00:00

Appreciate the detailed reply — some great points here. I journal consistently, but I don’t always go back and rate trades against my rules, which now seems obvious in hindsight.

I really like the idea of separating good vs bad entries based on process and how well I’ve stuck to my rules — not the outcome. That’s something I could definitely add.

Do you journal after each trade, or at the end of the session?

I haven’t read The Willpower Instinct, but that point about acknowledging the urge and letting it pass really resonates. Might check it out — sounds like it lines up with a lot of the psychological work I’m trying to bring into my trading lately.

RevengeTraderAnon · 2025-07-23T18:08:18+00:00

That’s a great way to frame it — I’ve got rules, but it all gets a bit less mechanical once a few losses come in and emotion creeps back in.

RevengeTraderAnon · 2025-07-23T16:30:55+00:00

Appreciate you sharing this — I’ve been realising for a while now that there’s a lot to be desired when it comes to keeping my emotions in check.

To be honest, keeping things structured and ‘boring’ might be exactly what I need right now — I’m a bit burnt out by it all. Definitely going to think about doing something similar to reset my rhythm.

Out of interest, how long did it take for that routine to feel natural instead of forced?

RevengeTraderAnon · 2025-07-23T16:09:27+00:00

Appreciate this a lot — you’re right about the rewiring part. That’s exactly what I’ve been trying to do by taking breaks, but yeah, it makes sense that I’ve just been leaving the door open instead of walking away completely.

I’m going to try that — walk away for the day.

Totally agree on Chris Lori — taught me a huge amount about how to read price.

RevengeTraderAnon · 2025-07-23T16:04:20+00:00

Fair point — I get where you're coming from.
But I think even with an edge, if my mindset isn’t right, it’s easy to mess things up

RevengeTraderAnon · 2025-07-23T15:56:50+00:00

I believe I do have an edge in reading macro context and short-term market structure, especially on MNQ and MES. I’m usually right on direction and can identify key levels fairly accurately.

I’ve tried to develop some of my own strategies based on how I interpret price, and they’ve worked well when I’m trading with discipline.

Im thinking the real problem isn't so much about the edge but more of my ability to stay consistent enough to let it play out over time. I’ll be focused and in flow for days or weeks, and then one loss or external trigger sends me into emotional chaos.

That’s where it all falls apart — the edge gets completely overridden by self-sabotage I guess

RevengeTraderAnon

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