Wait till it’s Clear of Recent Structure

 

I don't know if you're like me, but if you are then you'll have this dark-side of your personality that surfaces from time to time. A side that just WANTS TO TRADE. A side which doesn't so much care about the conditions of the market. Given the slightest hint of opportunity, it wants to get into a position and trade.

And of course, while that will from time to time capture the good moves, it also means you're often stuck in a fight for survival through the all of the market chop that you just KNOW is better avoided.

I'm much better at managing this now. One of the most significant changes to my trading over recent years has been an increasing ability to accept less trades.

But I do need to remind myself of this from time to time. Occasionally that impulsive side of my personality finds itself in control of the mouse, despite my better intentions.

One of these times is the "first day back" after a break. Hence my social media reminder on Monday…

Yes, often my social media posts are written for me.    🙂

And then again on Tuesday…

But often a simple reminder to be patient is not enough. So here's another of the things I will often do to slow down that impulsive side of my nature.

A tactic I use when first coming back from a break. And also from time to time intra-session if I find myself frustrated and struggling to read the price action.

WAIT TILL IT'S CLEAR OF RECENT STRUCTURE.

Look at either the Trading or Higher Timeframe Charts. Find areas above and/or below recent structure which offer clear space and potential for an obvious directional bias.

Firstly, this gives me permission to "sit on my hands" until an area of the chart with greater potential for ideal trading conditions.

And secondly, this gives me time to just watch price, getting in flow with the movement and the pace, so that when good conditions are present and a trade opportunity sets up, I'm ready to attack.

Define the places you want to trade, clear of any recent structure. Sit back and relax and enjoy the show. Let price do it's thing. Someone else can trade here. Just watch and get in sync with the movement, so that when price decides to play in YOUR playground, you're ready.

Good trading,

Lance Beggs

 

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