In trading, following the rules has two main difficulties:
(1) Prices are dynamically changing, fluctuating up and down; how to determine the 'how' of price trends.
(2) Whether one can persist in the long term. Why, even with rules, is it not always possible to execute? This is a philosophical question, and also a psychological one.
Let's first think about a question: how to control a person's behavior so that they adhere to discipline?
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I believe there are three methods.
The first method is forceful control. Those who do not comply will face forceful punishment. This method is very effective and corresponds to the first type of discipline. The first type of discipline refers to compliance only under external coercion or when left with no choice. For example, if a trader at an institution does not follow the rules, they will be fired and will not receive their salary; or they might be threatened and have no choice but to obey.
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The second method is psychological control. Through rigorous logical argumentation, one can make someone believe, and believe from the heart, which corresponds to the second type of discipline. The second type of discipline refers to self-imposed adherence; otherwise, one dares not to trade.
It is evident that the first method is not advisable because we cannot use force on ourselves. So, we can only use the second method to control ourselves.
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The third method is making agreements with oneself. This method corresponds to the third type of discipline. The third type of discipline refers to self-enforcement of adherence; one must keep the agreements made with oneself.
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Humans are not trustworthy, not even ourselves! Do you believe this statement?
Some say: "Humans are not loyal; loyalty exists because the stakes of betrayal are too low; humans are also not upright; uprightness exists because the temptation is insufficient."
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Market conditions are constantly tempting you. If you abandon the rules at this very moment, you might immediately earn more or lose less. Perhaps you begin a psychological struggle: should you still adhere to the rules? Maybe just this once you can break it, and then follow the rules afterward? At this moment, if you still have even a slight psychological struggle, it indicates that you have not completed your 'psychological control' over yourself.