20. Week 0 +$1500

I decided to start the year with a bit of a "half week", syncing my tracking up so I’m not stuck trading Thursday to Wednesday. It was a short burst, but a profitable one.

The year started with a bang. On New Year’s Day alone, there were 5 or 6 games to trade, and in the spirit of "New Year, New Me," I tried to trade every single one of them. Looking back, it was probably a bit reckless. I know there’s no way I can maintain that pace for the remainder of the year, but with a fresh tracking sheet and a mountain of motivation, I decided to have a crack.

The Numbers:

In the space of just four days, I traded in 23 markets.

• Total Profit: $1,520.00

On paper, who wouldn't be happy with $1,500 in four days? It’s an awesome result for the baby budget goal of $10k. But if I’m being honest with myself, it wasn’t the calm, boring, methodical approach I promised. There was a heavy element of "swinging for the fences." I wasn’t clinical, I was playing with too much flair and too much ambition.

I was more Wesley Snipes looking for the glitzy win rather than Woody Harrelson, winning boring.

Next Week: Playing Defense

The goal for next week is to dial it back. I need to find consistency and, more importantly, I need to play defensively. In trading, playing defense might mean leaving a little bit of money on the table by passing on "maybe" games, and getting out of trades a little earlier, but the payoff is worth it for the long game:

• Lower Cognitive Load: Trading 23 markets in 4 days is exhausting for the brain.

• Emotional Stability: Big swings suck out your energy. Defensive trading keeps you level-headed.

I need to get the boring reps in. I’d rather make a "boring" $300 next week with total control than a "flair-filled" $1,500 that leaves me mentally drained and prone to a massive error.

January Sprint Update:

• No Snacking: 4/4

• Pre/Post Match Sentences: 18/23

Playing Defence starts now. Let’s see if I can be boring next week.

Onwards.