The Trader's Pendulum

The Trader's Pendulum + Website is the ultimate toolkit for realizing your trading potential. Written by one of North America's leading trading coaches, this guide is designed to show aspiring traders how to design and implement a successful trading strategy by learning the psychological tricks behind solid trading philosophies. New and experienced traders alike will find value in The 10 Habits of Successful Traders, and come away equipped to navigate the real-life emotional-psychological effects of market chaos. You'll learn to embrace change and risk, and use it to your benefit as you climb out of the technical trap and stop riding the Trader's Pendulum between fear and greed. Based on the author's Elliott Wave and Harmonics expertise, this invaluable guide brings you a top-down approach to the market to help you maximize profit and minimize poor choices. The companion website gives you access to an interactive Trader's Scorecard, models for your 'business' and trading plan, The Trading Blotter, and a video synopsis of the all-important 10 habits.

Today's global economy has forced people to search for a second cash flow stream to replace or supplement a primary income. It is more important than ever to have a reliable guide at your side, and this book gives you guidance and so much more.

• Develop and follow a successful trading system
• Make more money while saving time and effort
• Treat trading like a business for lasting success
• Use change and risk to your benefit

Stop chasing trends and listening to widely disseminated bad advice. The Trader's Pendulum + Website is more than a guide—it's advice, examples, models, and more, giving you a practical roadmap to your online trading success.

Foreword ix

Acknowledgements xi

About the Author xiii

Prologue: A Day in the Life of a Successful Trader xv

Part I Introduction 1

Introduction: Riding the Trader’s Pendulum 3

Chapter 1 The Successful Trader versus the Average Trader 9

Chapter 2 The Technical Trader’s Trap 17

Chapter 3 Becoming an Entrepreneurial Trader-The Process 25

Pendulum Scenario 3.1: Fear versus Greed 31

Part II Out of Hobby into Business Mode 37

Chapter 4 Habit #1: Establish a Trading Business for the Right Reasons 39

Pendulum Scenario 4.1: Get Rich Quick or Go Broke Quick 45

Pendulum Scenario 4.2: Realistic versus Unrealistic Trader 47

Chapter 5 Habit #2: Complete a Trader’s Business Plan 51

Pendulum Scenario 5.1: Clarity versus Muddled Thinking 58

Pendulum Scenario 5.2: Forgiving versus Angry Trader 61

Pendulum Scenario 5.3: Courage versus Conformity 63

Chapter 6 Habit #3: Define Your Goals 67

Pendulum Scenario 6.1: Taking Action versus Feeling Remorse 77

Pendulum Scenario 6.2: Enthusiastic versus Apathetic Trader 80

Part III Becoming an Entrepreneurial Trader 83

Chapter 7 Habit #4: Commit to Your Education with a Trading Coach 85

Pendulum Scenario 7.1: Foresight versus Hindsight 91

Pendulum Scenario 7.2: The Lucky versus Unlucky Trader 97

Pendulum Scenario 7.3: Calm versus Nervous Trader 101

Chapter 8 Habit #5: Understand and Exploit Your Unique Trading Personality 107

Pendulum Scenario 8.1: Self-Doubting versus Overconfidence 121

Pendulum Scenario 8.2: Cautious versus Reckless Trading 123

Chapter 9 Habit #6: Follow a System 127

Pendulum Scenario 9.1: Optimistic versus Pessimistic Trader 135

Pendulum Scenario 9.2: Flexible versus Stubborn Trader 138

Pendulum Scenario 9.3: Accepting versus Willful 140

Chapter 10 Habit #7: Plan the Trade and Trade the Plan 145

Pendulum Scenario 10.1: Pragmatic versus Idealistic Trader 162

Pendulum Scenario 10.2: Pulling the Trigger versus Having Regrets 165

Pendulum Scenario 10.3: Conservative versus Impulsive Trader 168

Part IV The Transformed Trader 171

Chapter 11 Habit #8: Measure Your Performance 173

Pendulum Scenario 11.1: Organized versus Disorganized Trader 183

Pendulum Scenario 11.2: Proactive versus Reactive Trader 186

Chapter 12 Habit #9: Learn the Secrets of Successful Traders 191

Pendulum Scenario 12.1: I Can versus I Can’t 199

Pendulum Scenario 12.2: Patient versus Impatient Trader 202

Chapter 13 Habit #10: Add Balance to Your Life 207

Pendulum Scenario 13.1: Relaxed versus Stressed Trader 214

Pendulum Scenario 13.2: Clear-headed versus Sorrowful Trader 217

Pendulum Scenario 13.3: Good Mood versus Bad Mood Trading 219

Chapter 14 The ‘‘10 Habits’’ Checklist 223

Part V The Trader’s Tools 233

Chapter 15 Analysis Toolbox-Your First Mentoring Session 235

Chapter 16 Sample Trading System-Your BONUS Mentoring Session 249

Resources 269

Bibliography 273

About the Companion Website 275

Index 277

Jody Samuels is one of North America's leading coaches for successful traders, and the creator of The FX Trader's EDGE Coaching Program modeled after the "10 Habits of Successful Traders."

Praise for The TRADER'S PENDULUM

"Jody Samuels is a seasoned trader with an eye for sustainable successful trading. Her book mirrors the best trading habits of successful traders, and is a must-read for anyone who aims to make a career out of trading."
—Kiana Danial, Founder of Invest Diva

"The respect for Jody's work in the trading community is unparalleled. But it's her focus on guiding traders to operate as entrepreneurs that merits another round of applause. Ready to be financially free? Read this book!"
—Norman Hallett, CEO, TheDisciplinedTrader.com

"Of all the trading books I've read, The Trader's Pendulum best illustrates the challenges and emotional swings traders encounter. More importantly, it gives traders the tools they need to mentally prepare themselves for the trading day. Whether you are a new or experienced trader, reading and re-reading this book will help the pendulum swing in your favor."
—Justin D. Hertzberg, Esq., CEO, Forest Park FX

"Most traders don't train, while most trainers don't trade. Jody Samuels is one of the most experienced traders and trainers I know. Readers of her new book will boost their trading careers and gain immensely from her practical trading experience."
—Jian Li, President, Global Business Gateway Corp.

"I am a successful trader and recognized analyst thanks to the wisdom of Jody Samuels. Jody is not only a proven trader in her own right, but she also has the gift to teach in a smart, objective, clear way that inspires any individual to become successful. This impressive book will have you bidding farewell to your bad trading habits and will open the door to a new world of trading. Jody's book is required reading if you want to become the trader you always dreamed of. So get ready for the journey of a lifetime!"
—Juan Maldonado, Founder of Club de Capitales