The importance of a trading plan

[laubeaud]

A trading plan is crucial because it provides a structured approach to trading, helping you make informed decisions and avoid emotional reactions. My trading plan outlines my goals, risk tolerance, entry and exit criteria, and strategies. This helps me remain disciplined and focused.

By defining entry and exit criteria, a trading plan has helped me manage risk effectively and maintain consistency in my trading.

Additionally, it has allowed me to evaluate my performance, learn from mistakes, and adapt strategies as market conditions change.

Ultimately, a trading plan is essential for achieving long-term success in the financial markets.

[Oshosondy]

I will say trading plan and trading strategies are the same thing. They are what you do to make successful trades and also to become a successful trader.

I am highly disappointed to see this kind of post that talked about trading plan but no useful information at all about the trading plan. At least we should expect you to list and talked about the trading plan that you have that makes you to become a successful trader.

[Catenaccio]

I will say trading plan and trading strategies are the same thing. They are what you do to make successful trades and also to become a successful trader.

Strategy is bigger than plan and in practice of a strategy, you will use different plans to achieve purposes of your trading strategy. They, trading strategy and trading plan, both help traders to aim at gaining success, profit. This is the common purpose of trading strategy and trading plan but it's not correct if you say a strategy is a plan, they are totally different.

Ultimately, a trading plan is essential for achieving long-term success in the financial markets.

It is more about a trading strategy that is broader than a trading plan. A trading plan can help you to get profit in one year, one market cycle but a trading strategy can help you maintain your capital better and gain success in a longer term like 2 market cycles, 10 years or longer.

If you are aiming at long term like this, forget about trading, and switch your focus on investing.

[Oshosondy]

I will say trading plan and trading strategies are the same thing. They are what you do to make successful trades and also to become a successful trader.

Strategy is bigger than plan and in practice of a strategy, you will use different plans to achieve purposes of your trading strategy. They, trading strategy and trading plan, both help traders to aim at gaining success, profit. This is the common purpose of trading strategy and trading plan but it's not correct if you say a strategy is a plan, they are totally different.

Ultimately, a trading plan is essential for achieving long-term success in the financial markets.

It is more about a trading strategy that is broader than a trading plan. A trading plan can help you to get profit in one year, one market cycle but a trading strategy can help you maintain your capital better and gain success in a longer term like 2 market cycles, 10 years or longer.

If you are aiming at long term like this, forget about trading, and switch your focus on investing.

I just have to make research about the difference between trading plan and trading strategy and I saw that you are wrong. Trading strategies are part of trading plan but trading plan is more than just trading strategy.

To know more about the difference between trading plan and trading strategy, you can read this: https://www.avatrade.com/education/correct-trading-rules/trading-plan#:~:text=A%20trading%20plan%20is%20not,technical%20analysis%20or%20fundamental%20analysis.

Although trading plan and trading strategy can still be a matter of debate but not in the way you posted about it.

[Rockstarguy]

When their is no plan before starting trading that is what makes trading result not to be successful. The first plan in trading should be financial plans, atleast when one is thinking to trade their must be a plan of of how the trade should be funded, their must be a source of income and not to be expecting to make profit in trading to fund the trading exercise. It is important to also have a plan of learning because trading is not what people can succeed without having a better knowledge about trading. Plans of exhibiting the habit that is required in trading.

Good plans will always make trading easy and successful for traders but beginner's fail to make plans before making plans to start trading. Traders who face challenges in trading is because they hardly make plans.

[Jody.Drummer]

When their is no plan before starting trading that is what makes trading result not to be successful. The first plan in trading should be financial plans, atleast when one is thinking to trade their must be a plan of of how the trade should be funded, their must be a source of income and not to be expecting to make profit in trading to fund the trading exercise. It is important to also have a plan of learning because trading is not what people can succeed without having a better knowledge about trading. Plans of exhibiting the habit that is required in trading.

Good plans will always make trading easy and successful for traders but beginner's fail to make plans before making plans to start trading. Traders who face challenges in trading is because they hardly make plans.

If we discuss a plan, then we plan is something very important and even in my opinion it does not only apply in trade but will apply to all aspects of life that we will do. The plan can make what we do goes according to the corridor and it is a limit so that we do not do things stupid or mistakes that make us lose in the end.

But we can not make the plan just like that and then easily to run, for me who is more difficult is when we have to be able to commit in holding the plan that we have determined at the beginning. Because sometimes in its journey we have to face a complicated situation while we have to make a fast decision. So we will think whether we must keep holding what we plan at the beginning or we prefer decisions based on situations at that time. Now we must also anticipate this and in my opinion we must also be good at adjusting to make decisions, of course which ones are lower risks and which are higher opportunities.

[Awaklara]

Strategy is bigger than plan and in practice of a strategy, you will use different plans to achieve purposes of your trading strategy.

maybe you can make a trading plan and publish it here so we can understand how strategy is bigger than a plan.

Logically, when we trade we will make one or two targets, maybe even more. we plan those targets. and to be able to achieve the planned targets we need help. help to support the success of these plans is related to the trading strategy we use. yes of course it will involve some analysis that is commonly used by traders.

I think OP has included strategy and others in his trading plan. maybe it would be better to add how OP determines entry and exit criteria or risk tolerance.

[Hamza2424]

Hmm, OP I do agree with most of your words, and you've used a general term trading plan to cover maximum things which is a great approach as well, TBH in my view your analysis strategy and plan whatever you call it under your domain differentiate between you as a trader and you as a gambler. Now I'm sure for traders I dont need to mention how trade becomes a fully controlled position to gambling.

For the rest, a trader needs to know the difference between a good plan and a bad one, and what to learn from your actions, because trading is an endless learning journey where your experiences usually help you.

[Dr.Bitcoin_Strange]

@OP, I am of the same opinion with the first comment, I also believe that trading strategy and requirment is same thing as trading plan. If a trader wants to be successful in trading, they have to develop a strategy that will help them to maximize profits and minimize lose.

[yudi09]

A trading plan is crucial because it provides a structured approach to trading, helping you make informed decisions and avoid emotional reactions. My trading plan outlines my goals, risk tolerance, entry and exit criteria, and strategies. This helps me remain disciplined and focused.

By defining entry and exit criteria, a trading plan has helped me manage risk effectively and maintain consistency in my trading.

Additionally, it has allowed me to evaluate my performance, learn from mistakes, and adapt strategies as market conditions change.

Ultimately, a trading plan is essential for achieving long-term success in the financial markets.

In one of the links to sources related to technical analysis that outlines how to understand a trading plan, its definition and how it works in my local language, it took me quite 15 minutes to read and I read it slowly while trying to understand each point by point, although it is good and rational, of course I still think that if I don't master the science of how to master the market, the trading plan will not work as planned.
https://pluang.com/akademi/pelajari/analisis-teknikal-101/memahami-cara-kerja-definisi-trading-plan

In theory, it is explained and I agree that a trading plan that is made in a structured and measurable manner will bring us good results and is useful for managing existing risks.

There is something called universe assets and other things that may be in line, but in essence market control is very necessary because it is in balance with trading plans and strategies.

[ndutndut]

Of course having a plan in trading is very necessary because this plan is an activity that will be used when trading so that your trading is more systematic so that it can reduce the level of loss when you trade. So implementing a trading plan is very important, besides avoiding making the wrong decisions, trading planning will also make your trading simpler than if you don't have a trading plan at all.

This can be likened to when we use Google Maps or directions, with Google Maps you will be directed. if you want to travel to an area that you have not known before. You just enter your current location and enter your destination location, then Google Maps will provide the best route and directions to get to your destination without getting lost.

So trading planning is exactly the same as using Google Maps. Because with planning it will make your trading easy to achieve your goals so that you can get profit and of course it will make you more consistent.

[irhact]

A trading plan is crucial because it provides a structured approach to trading, helping you make informed decisions and avoid emotional reactions. My trading plan outlines my goals, risk tolerance, entry and exit criteria, and strategies. This helps me remain disciplined and focused.

Every trader needs a trading plan that can help guide them on how they're going to trade. Without a trading plan, we are going to lose. Trading strategy and trading plans are the same thing with a different way of saying it as the strategy that you're using when trading is the same that as saying you're planing on trading in a particular way. There's no trader that has been successful without having a strategy that he uses to have good trades. But  have to be open to changing our trading strategy when it isn't working as it use to do and also learn to become very perfect in one strategy that we're going to use more often to win .

[Viscore]

I will say trading plan and trading strategies are the same thing. They are what you do to make successful trades and also to become a successful trader.

I am highly disappointed to see this kind of post that talked about trading plan but no useful information at all about the trading plan. At least we should expect you to list and talked about the trading plan that you have that makes you to become a successful trader.

Somehow you have a point. Instead of seeing OP showing us his own way of making his trading plan so that others can learn and assess, he is only citing the importance of a trading plan which I believe majority of us are already aware about it. Although everything you said is true, but atleast you should have made your post more constructive than seeing it as mere defining, that anyone who'll go for research will certainly get the same idea.

[nelson4lov]

A trading plan is always something that I've wanted to organize because it would go a long way for me to manage my trades because if there's one thing I have notice is the constant emotional struggle and the constant need to close trades when the trade goes in the opposite direction, even the tiniest bit and leaving trades longer to accumulate more profits even though there's already enough profits. It's just random, literally.

OP, you have talked about your trading plan. I'd like to see a sample of your trading plan. Nothing too fancy and you can remove any sensitive detail if needed. This isn't because I want to copy but to get some insights on what constitutes a trading plan.

[mirakal]

These are the reasons why each trader should always prepare a trading plan prior to trading, so that there will be bigger chances to succeed than losing the trade. But even so, having a trading plan won't guarantee completely for a successful trading outcome. Experience will always be the best strategy towards trading. If you think you still don't have the sufficient knowledge and skills required in trading, yet you're able to make a good trading plan, still that won't make a profitable trader in the end.

[Stepstowealth]

These are the reasons why each trader should always prepare a trading plan prior to trading, so that there will be bigger chances to succeed than losing the trade. But even so, having a trading plan won't guarantee completely for a successful trading outcome. Experience will always be the best strategy towards trading. If you think you still don't have the sufficient knowledge and skills required in trading, yet you're able to make a good trading plan, still that won't make a profitable trader in the end.

Everybody especially new traders may not yet possess the skill to properly set out a trading plan. It will even be harder to create a trading plan for yourself when you are self-taught because you may find it difficult to determine if your plans are correct. If you learn trading from an older trader who is more expert than you are, based on their experience, you as a new trader should be able to adopt their trading plan and strategy and then as you become more experienced make modifications to it. This is one good thing of learning trading from someone because you learn far more than theory.

[Pandu Geddon]

These are the reasons why each trader should always prepare a trading plan prior to trading, so that there will be bigger chances to succeed than losing the trade. But even so, having a trading plan won't guarantee completely for a successful trading outcome. Experience will always be the best strategy towards trading. If you think you still don't have the sufficient knowledge and skills required in trading, yet you're able to make a good trading plan, still that won't make a profitable trader in the end.

although beginners in trading can also use strategies and make trading plans. but the results may not be optimal. making a trading plan also requires experience. but everyone who wants to learn I think can try and learn it. the problem of results all depends on how much effort. his name is also a beginner, even those who are experienced can also fail in trading. it is not a problem of using the wrong strategy or making a mistake in making a plan. some situations may not be in accordance with the trader's analysis and predictions.

[Adams0001]

These are the reasons why each trader should always prepare a trading plan prior to trading, so that there will be bigger chances to succeed than losing the trade. But even so, having a trading plan won't guarantee completely for a successful trading outcome. Experience will always be the best strategy towards trading. If you think you still don't have the sufficient knowledge and skills required in trading, yet you're able to make a good trading plan, still that won't make a profitable trader in the end.

although beginners in trading can also use strategies and make trading plans. but the results may not be optimal. making a trading plan also requires experience. but everyone who wants to learn I think can try and learn it. the problem of results all depends on how much effort. his name is also a beginner, even those who are experienced can also fail in trading. it is not a problem of using the wrong strategy or making a mistake in making a plan. some situations may not be in accordance with the trader's analysis and predictions.

Trading can be unpredictable at times, and you are correct. Even talented people lose money in trading, but they will not lose as newcomers since they lack the experience that motors have. It's a good idea to develop a trading strategy, and if it doesn't work, you can learn from others who are more experienced. since we are learning every day. I am not perfect at trading; I lose more than I win since I am still learning, but I believe in myself and will endeavor to be perfect one day. I focus on investment because I reduce my risk on it since investment whatsoever you invest on it one day you will be profitable if the price increases. but in trading if you have lose you lose you most get another funds to stakes again. But when you have get enough knowledge on trading you will enjoy it very well.

[junder]

Although overall the plan is not always a success but yes I can confirm that the plan is an important part in achieving success, everything will not run smoothly when there is no plan that you implement, especially this is trading which is an activity that involves money and risk. Everyone does not like losing money, but with planning especially related to risk management such as emotional management then it will be able to minimize the amount of risk that you will face.

On the other hand as you said OP that by having a plan then you will know about when is the best time to enter and when is the right time to exit, and that is a skill that must be possessed by every trader, because as we see not infrequently some of the traders who fall and get carried away in blind trading which ultimately makes them experience big losses, and this is why planning is important, because with that all actions will be measured based on good considerations.

[Mahanton]

These are the reasons why each trader should always prepare a trading plan prior to trading, so that there will be bigger chances to succeed than losing the trade. But even so, having a trading plan won't guarantee completely for a successful trading outcome. Experience will always be the best strategy towards trading. If you think you still don't have the sufficient knowledge and skills required in trading, yet you're able to make a good trading plan, still that won't make a profitable trader in the end.

although beginners in trading can also use strategies and make trading plans. but the results may not be optimal. making a trading plan also requires experience. but everyone who wants to learn I think can try and learn it. the problem of results all depends on how much effort. his name is also a beginner, even those who are experienced can also fail in trading. it is not a problem of using the wrong strategy or making a mistake in making a plan. some situations may not be in accordance with the trader's analysis and predictions.

Trading can be unpredictable at times, and you are correct. Even talented people lose money in trading, but they will not lose as newcomers since they lack the experience that motors have. It's a good idea to develop a trading strategy, and if it doesn't work, you can learn from others who are more experienced. since we are learning every day. I am not perfect at trading; I lose more than I win since I am still learning, but I believe in myself and will endeavor to be perfect one day. I focus on investment because I reduce my risk on it since investment whatsoever you invest on it one day you will be profitable if the price increases. but in trading if you have lose you lose you most get another funds to stakes again. But when you have get enough knowledge on trading you will enjoy it very well.

Its not only "can" but it is really indeed unpredictable all the time and this is why having up some plans or having those kind of preparation is really that something recommended. You cant really just that make yourself
doing up some trades without any plans because this would really be causing up that loses on which you would really be might ending up on having those kind of regrets on just because simply you did really make it as if
you are doing gambling because on the time or moment that you dont have any plans on dealing up with trading then you are just basically doing gambling and its not something suggested with that kind of approach.
Plans and preparations arent really just that limited on trading alone but also in other real life situations as well on where proper planning and preparation would really be the key.Lets say that  you are planning to have some trading or having that involvement, then how you would gonna do it? Of course you will really be trying out to plot some charting and other fundamental applications on which it would really be that leading
up to have that much better analysis which increases the odds on making profitable trades in compared to those who have none. If you are really that tending to trade but without preparations then you are really just that doing gambling but sooner or later you will be able to see its relevance when it comes to this aspect. It would really be that so important that you should really know at least on what you are really that dealing on with.