Certus Trading Reviews: 3 Trading Lessons from Matt Choi
For anyone breaking into the trading world, learning to navigate the financial markets can feel overwhelming. Becoming a consistently successful trader takes far more than following a few online tutorials or memorizing a handful of techniques — in reality, it can take years of practice before profits become steady. The lessons below are drawn from the experience of a seasoned trader and are about mindset and discipline, not specific buy-or-sell advice.
A largely self-taught trader, Certus Trading's Matt Choi (CMT) built his knowledge of the markets over years of trading his own money. Along the way he had to overcome plenty of setbacks to become the swing trader he is today. If you want to reach the next level, here are three lessons he shares for traders looking to grow.
1. Find a Mentor
Finding a mentor who has already achieved what you're aiming for can save you months — or years — of trial and error. A good mentor helps you understand your own "trader personality," whether that's day trading, swing trading or longer-term investing, and helps you build a disciplined mindset.
The right mentor can also pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses and teach you sound risk-management habits. Learning from someone who plays to your strengths helps you progress at a faster and more sustainable pace than going it alone.
2. Leave Your Emotions Behind
The psychological side of trading is draining because of its rollercoaster nature, so managing your emotions is vital. A more formulaic, rules-based approach to stock or forex trading helps keep feelings in check. When your decisions follow a clear, technical set of rules rather than gut reactions, there's less room for fear and greed to take over. It comes down to the chart and the price action — not guessing.
3. Don't Be Afraid to Fail
Choi points to three factors behind success in any field. The first is genuine passion — taking a real interest in the markets, learning their history and how they've evolved. The second is a drive to succeed: study what the best traders do, understand it, then adapt it into an approach that's truly your own.
The third is not being afraid to fail. As Thomas Edison put it, "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up." Mistakes are part of the learning curve; the traders who keep going, study their losses and put in the hours are the ones who eventually break through.
Most importantly, Choi advises never dwelling on the past. Instead, keep executing the next plan without hesitation.
"I don't think about my recent three-trade losing streak — I focus on winning the next ten. Believing in yourself, knowing that you've done it time and time again, gives you the confidence to seize the moment and succeed."
Trading involves real financial risk. This article shares general lessons on trading discipline and mindset and is not financial or investment advice. Always do your own research and consider speaking with a licensed professional before trading.