Another Futures Trading Lesson Day
Some days, you sit down to record an interview, and instead, you end up needing to talk about the raw, unfiltered truth of a terrible trading day. That’s exactly what happened to bring this podcast episode to fruition. And honestly? It’s probably the episode I needed to make more than the one I had planned.
Let’s talk about it. The kind of red day that feels like a gut punch. The kind where you followed your plan, had your levels, and executed your trades with every bit of your experience—and it still went south. Hard.
The Setup: Refreshed, Focused, and Ready
After a few unplugged days at a water park with my kids—laughing, sliding, being fully present—I came back feeling grounded and ready to hit the charts. I did my prep, reviewed the levels, and sat down with a game plan.
I was ready.
But then the market did what it does—it faked, it rotated, it chopped. I got short-biased too early and missed the reversal signals. I didn't weigh the strong buying pressure as heavily as I should have. Two trades in, both stopped out on huge candles, and I still couldn’t quite see clearly what the market was telling me.
Then came the third trade—max daily loss.
Cue the tears.
The Reality: Trading is Hard, Even When You Know What You’re Doing
This isn’t about being new. This isn’t about not understanding your edge. I’ve had consistent wins. I’ve had payout for months. I know a fair bit about how to read the chart, plan the trade, and manage risk. But today reminded me that this job—this calling, even—is still one of the hardest paths anyone can take. Certainly the hardest journey I have ever undertaken!
The emotional work never ends. Holding winners longer is still hard. Letting go of red trades without slipping into revenge mode is a battle. Trying to “fix it” fast can override even the best intentions.
I’m not ashamed to say I cried that morning. Because I care deeply about this. Because I want this so badly—to be consistent, calm, precise, and profitable. To do this work well, in a way that pays the bills, expands my existence, and fulfills my soul.
And I’m not quitting. I’m way too far in. I’m building something beautiful, and setbacks are just part of it. Logically, I know this is true!
The Bigger Picture: Balance, Community, and Grace
You know what helped me stop spiraling? Remembering what else I’ve built.
A business, Market Mamas, where I get to speak openly about the trading journey and be a voice for others who may need to hear it from another.
A trading community of traders and mentors who lift me when I fall. They are my trading family!
A beautiful home family and happy boys that brings me back to what really matters.
This day was a bloody red day on the charts. But it was also a beautiful reminder that my value as a trader—and as a person—is not defined by a P&L statement.
Final Thoughts: Keep Showing Up
To anyone reading this who’s in a slump, or cried into their coffee this morning, or is questioning if they’re cut out for this:
You are not alone.
These days hurt. But they also teach. If you’re doing the work, if you’re journaling, learning, reviewing, and showing up—you’re growing. Some of our best leaps forward come from the pain of days like this.
So take a breath. Make some pancakes. Hug your kids. Then show up tomorrow.
Because the truth is, if we keep doing the work, the consistency will come.
And until then—grace. Always grace. 💛
"Taking your red trade... is not in and of itself a bad thing. It's just feedback. The market is giving you feedback that it's not ready to do this trade plan that you were planning for at that moment. And that's totally fine. That is the work of being a trader."
~ Becky Gaskell, Market Mamas
Thank you to everyone who is subscribing to the podcast, reading the blogs, and providing me with feedback! I am truly grateful to be growing this Market Mamas podcast and community with you all! I love talking about my favorite subject - trading! Miss Market is abundant for those of us that embrace a growth mindset and pursue deliberate practice in learning her tells and our own tendencies. And trading absolutely can be an avenue for the wildest success. But not without diligent work for many many months and years. But to those who show up for the effort and dedication, you are my people and I would love to get to know you better! Please take a moment to shoot me a comment on https://www.market-mamas.com/contact!
Happy trading and I wish you focus with your process and clarity in your next trade. Let’s go!