10 Trading Principles for Profitable Traders

What do you see as the biggest difference between our generation and the previous?

This was something that came across my mind after hoping off a call with a 22 year old trader in my program Edge;

The majority of younger people I come across seriously lack deep routed principles that direct their decision.

Principles that they operate from daily...

... and a lack of standards that they hold hold themselves too.

In an age where information is abundant and distractions are endless, it's easy to lose sight of the foundational beliefs that guide our decisions.

I'm sure we can all agree, the world is pretty fu*ked up and there is a serious lack of male role models.

Principles are what anchor us—

They are the unwavering truths that shape our actions and decisions on a daily basis.

Without a clear set of principles, you have no guidelines, no direction to guide your actions, and likely experience a life lacking in fulfilment.

When you establish strong principles, you create a framework that helps you navigate the complexities of life with confidence and consistency.

A trader's principles should act as their commandments...

...guiding them through the ups and downs of this challenge in trading.

Before you read on, I would encourage you to perform an iterative exercise;

Write down what your principles in life are...

What are the rules you have set yourself to navigate life by?

Using this list, write down your top ten principles that are transferable to your perspective of what makes a profitable trader.

If this is something you struggle with, I have laid out ten tenants to live by, in your daily actions in the markets...

Take Responsibility

Profitable traders understand that they are the architects of their success or failure...

Taking full responsibility means acknowledging that every decision, every action, and every reaction is within your control.

Blaming external factors—

be it the market, a prop firm, your broker, or luck—

is a mindset that will keep you from learning and growing.

Instead, own your choices, learn from your mistakes, let go of your attachment to the past and continually improve your strategy.

No one is coming to save you or your trading.

Your success is 100% your responsibility, right here, right now.

Honesty

In trading, as in life, honesty is crucial.

Be radically honest with yourself about your strengths, weaknesses, and the decisions that lead to the outcomes of your trades.

If you let ego or denial cloud your judgment, you'll make the same mistakes repeatedly, stuck in negative behaviour loops...

Embrace the truth, even when it's uncomfortable, because it's the only way to learn, improve and create change from your current performance.

Remember, even if the truth hurts, it helps.

Focus

Distractions are costly.

The key to success is maintaining tunnelled focus on your goals...

... and more importantly the steps required to achieve them.

This means eliminating anything that detracts from your trading objectives, whether it's mental clutter, unnecessary noise, or external pressures.

The main focus is to stay focused.

By ruthlessly eliminating distractions, you create the mental clarity needed to make logical trading decisions.

Remember, the markets reward the disciplined and the focused—keep the main thing the main thing, and success will follow.

Relentless Discipline

Discipline is the backbone of trading success.

Unlike motivation, which ebbs and flows with your emotional state, discipline is unwavering.

It's about showing up and executing your plan, regardless of external circumstances or internal resistance.

Discipline means sticking to your strategy even when the market is challenging you.

It's about building habits that ensure consistency.

Remember, it's the small daily actions, compounded over time, that lead to monumental success.

All In

Trading is not a game for the half-hearted.

To truly succeed, you must be all in.

This doesn't mean recklessly risking your capital, but rather fully committing your mind, energy, and focus to mastering the craft.

Obsession here is not about unhealthy fixation but about immersing yourself so deeply in learning and executing that trading becomes second nature.

When you're fully committed, playing small isn't an option; you're playing to win, and that mindset elevates your performance and your life.

Go all in—because playing small does not serve the world.

Embrace the Resistance

Resistance is not your enemy;

It's a sign you're pushing your boundaries and growing.

Just like a plane takes off against the wind, your trading career will face challenges that test your resolve.

Embrace these moments—they are the forge in which your trading mastery is shaped.

Resistance might come in the form of market losses, self-doubt, or external pressures.

But remember, the sword is only forged under fire.

Each challenge you face is an opportunity to strengthen your discipline, refine your strategy, and sharpen your mental toughness.

The greater the resistance, the stronger you will emerge.

Adaptability

Adaptability is crucial.

Markets are constantly changing, and what works today might not work tomorrow.

The ability to pivot, adjust your strategies, and learn from new information is what separates successful traders from the majority of losers.

Adaptability means staying informed, being open to new ideas, and not getting too attached to a single method or perspective.

It's about having the flexibility to evolve with the market, while still adhering to your core principles.

Rigidity in trading can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities;

adaptability ensures that you're always positioned to thrive, no matter the market conditions.

Excruciatingly High Standards

In trading, as in life, mediocrity is the enemy of excellence.

To achieve true mastery, you must hold yourself to the highest standards—

not just in your trades, but in every aspect of your life.

This means constantly seeking improvement, whether in your knowledge, execution, health, or relationships.

Settling for "great" when "exceptional" is possible is a disservice to yourself and your potential.

Strive for excellence in everything you do, because in trading, the margin between success and failure is often razor-thin.

Your high standards will ensure that you are always on the right side of that margin.

Gratitude

Amidst the pursuit of more, it's essential to pause and appreciate what you have achieved.

Gratitude grounds you in the present and helps you maintain a balanced perspective.

Trading can be an emotional rollercoaster, but gratitude helps you navigate the highs and lows with grace.

It reminds you that at some point, you wished for the very things you have now. Yet, while grateful, never become complacent.

Strive for more, but with an appreciation for the journey and your growth already achieved.

Have Fun

Finally, remember to enjoy the process.

Trading can be intense, but it should also be fulfilling.

If you're not enjoying the journey, what's the point?

Passion for the game of trading is what sustains you through the tough times and makes the victories sweeter.

Having fun doesn't mean taking trading lightly;

it means finding joy in the challenges, the learning, and the growth.

Love the game, and you'll not only perform better, but you'll also find deeper satisfaction in your success.

These principles are not just guidelines—they are the foundation of true trading mastery.

Embrace them fully, and you'll find that they not only enhance your trading but also transform your life.

Mastery is a journey, not a destination, and with these principles, you're equipped to navigate that journey with purpose, resilience, and joy.

Stay disciplined, stay informed, and keep pushing forward.

Happy trading!

- Jonny