The Trading Morning That Nearly Derailed My Week

If you trade long enough, you’ll eventually have a day where everything goes wrong. A couple of weeks ago, I had one of those mornings. It nearly derailed my entire trading week. And it reminded me how quickly small mistakes can snowball when you’re trading fast-moving instruments like futures. I’m sharing it because if you’re a trader, you’ve probably been there too.

A Strong Start to the Week

I trade primarily ES futures, and going into this week my goal was simple: calm, intentional execution. Monday was President’s Day, which meant a shorter, slower session. I waited for my level, took one clean trade, scaled out appropriately, and locked in a solid profit.

Tuesday brought more volatility and a larger range. Again, I followed my process: draw levels, write my hypothesis, wait for confirmation. I took one full trade and one smaller secondary setup and finished the day nicely green. Two strong days. Exactly how I like to trade.

Wednesday: When the Dominoes Fell

Wednesday morning started differently. I overslept by about 20 minutes and rushed my preparation. Instead of completing my full morning hypothesis, I barely sketched out a plan before the market opened.

Then I made the classic mistake: “I’ve been trading for five years… I can probably wing it.” That decision set off a chain reaction.

Within minutes:

• I entered a trade too early

• I had extra market commentary noise running in the background

• My son walked in sick and needed my attention

• I accidentally canceled my bracket order (removing my stop loss)

• My execution platform started showing lagging data

Suddenly I was in a full-size position without protection and without reliable data! When I finally flattened the trade, it was a large loss. And then I made the worst mistake of the morning.

The Revenge Trade

Instead of stopping, I flipped directions immediately, full size, right at the top of a move. The trade failed almost instantly. Two big stop-outs within the first 15 minutes of market open. At that point my P&L was about three times my normal daily loss limit.

I shut down my execution platform and just sat there staring at blank screens. And yeah… I cried a little.

Not because of the money. But because none of those trades were part of my system.

The Decision That Saved My Week

Once I caught my breath, I made the most important choice of the day: I stopped trading.

Instead, I focused on resetting:

• I talked with my mentor and accountability partner

• I got a workout in to clear my head

• I journaled the entire experience that night

If a day like that happens, trying to “make it back” usually makes things worse. Sometimes the best trade you can take is no trade at all.

“One bad day doesn’t define you as a trader. What matters is how quickly you stop the damage and return to your process.”

~ Becky Gaskell, Market Mamas

The Comeback

The next day I came back with a clear mind. I waited for a proper setup, took one clean trade, and locked in a base hit - about a third of the previous day’s loss. Friday was similar: two disciplined trades, both per my system. By the end of the week… I finished green.

Not because Wednesday was ok, but because I stopped the damage and returned to my process.

What I Learned From This Week

Looking back, four out of the five trading days that week were solid. That’s 80%. And honestly, that’s what professional trading often looks like. One bad day doesn’t define you. What matters is how quickly you recover and return to your system.

Here are the biggest reminders that hit home for me.

1. Preparation Matters

Skipping your morning process is like flying blind.

2. Trade Only Your System

If you can’t clearly explain why you’re in a trade, you shouldn’t be in it.

3. Distraction Is Dangerous

Kids, noise, tech issues… if your focus is broken, walk away.

4. Revenge Trading Is a Trap

Trying to “fix” a loss immediately usually makes it worse.

5. Stop the Spiral Early

The earlier you stop, the easier the recovery.

For Traders Who Are Struggling

If you’ve had tilt spirals, revenge trades, or days where everything falls apart, I see you. I’ve been there too. Trading is hard. It’s emotional. And sometimes the biggest growth comes from the days that humble us.

The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is getting a little better at handling those moments each time they happen. And that’s exactly what I’m working on too.

Trade safe guys. Be kind to yourself. And enjoy the journey.

To those who show up for these conversations with me, the mental effort and time 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! Catch you next time! Keep learning, keep growing, and keep trusting yourself. We got this!