I’m just not cut out for trading stocks

Puzzle piece with surprised face black to represent the psychology of trading.

Struggling to commit to trades? It’s not about the market – it’s about mindset. Learn how to overcome hesitation to trade with confidence.

Many new traders find themselves hesitating when it’s time to execute a trade. After hours of analysis, they freeze – overwhelmed by doubt, second-guessing their decisions, or feeling an uncomfortable level of anxiety about taking action. But why?

Fear of losing money is an obvious concern, and losing trades are inevitable. But risk isn’t unique to trading – it’s part of almost everything we do. Driving at high speed on the freeway carries risk, yet people do it every day without dwelling on worst-case scenarios. So why does trading feel different?

The real reason trading feels stressful

A big part of the issue is conditioning. The media loves a dramatic story – markets “crash,” stocks “plummet,” and every downturn is framed as a crisis. We rarely hear about the quiet, steady gains that dominate long-term market trends. Stories of individual traders suffering massive losses make headlines, but they have little relevance to your $1,000 or $5,000 trade.

Another reason for trading anxiety is the feeling of losing control. When you’re driving, you have direct control over your car – you can brake, swerve, or adjust your speed. Trading feels different because once you place an order, market forces take over. But in reality, trading is just as manageable as driving. You control when to enter, how much to risk, and – most importantly – when to exit.

Managing trades, not fear

Successful traders don’t waste energy managing their emotions – they manage their trades. They accept risk and don’t let FOMO or ego dictate their decisions. Trading rules are essential, but the bigger challenge is how you treat yourself when things don’t go as planned.

If a stock isn’t treating you well, move on. Think of it like a bad friendship – there’s no need to stick around if it’s dragging you down. And don’t judge yourself for a losing trade. Losing up to 50% of trades is completely normal. What matters is making sure your winners outweigh your losers.

The key to better trading decisions

Many traders think refining their strategy – backtesting, analysing charts, using indicators – will make them feel more confident when placing trades. While these steps are crucial, they don’t change what happens in the moment of execution. The real shift comes when you detach your self-worth from your trading performance.

The less emotional weight you attach to a trade, the better your decisions will be. Trading is a business, and in business, some deals work out while others don’t. The goal isn’t perfection – it’s consistency.

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Steve Carlsson, Trade Radar
Written by Steve Carlsson Founder & Director
3 Feb 2025

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