Yesterday I caught some of the Wimbledon Men’s Final.
I grew up playing tennis — and while I’m not a superfan these days, I do appreciate the kind of talent it takes to play at the Grand Slam level.
When I tuned in, Alcaraz had just won a point against Sinner in the third set. And one of the commentators — John McEnroe — said something that struck me:
“Not every shot has to make the highlight reel.”
“Sometimes it’s good to just get the job done.”
Now that got me thinking about “the highlight reel” we all seek in our trading.
The Highlight Reel Trap In Trading
I can’t count how many times I’ve been in a winning trade — calmly managing it — and suddenly my brain jumps ahead:
“This could be a $1,000 trade. Maybe $5,000… What if it hits $10,000?”
And just like that, I’m off in a daydream.
But the only job I really have at that moment?
Trail the stop and protect the win.
It’s not about racking up big, flashy results on every trade you make. It’s about “playing the point” in front of you — the trade in front of you — with focus.
Let’s look at three ways you can avoid the highlight reel trap in your trading.
#1 Set Profit Goals
I recommend setting a profit goal for each trade — and being ok with honoring it.
For example, if you’re a day trader and you are looking to make $1,000 in a day, you may see that accumulating in a single trade. And when that happens, even if the market keeps moving, it’s okay to take your money and walk.
You can always come back later and review how much you profit left on the table — that’s where the learning happens.
But the key is not needing every trade to be a grand slam. Sometimes it’s just a clean win.
#2 Dial In Your Trade Management
Trade management doesn’t need to be dramatic. In fact, the more boring it is, the better.
When you have a clear way to trail your stop — whether based on “logical” levels (ie price action structure) or “money” (ie specific dollar amounts) — you’re free to just manage the trade.
I’ve seen so many traders turn their results around not by changing their setups… but by tightening up their trade management.
That’s where the real transformation often happens.
#3 Include Long-Term Goals In Your Trading Plan
And remember, it’s not about making one perfect trade.
Whether you're building up a prop account, learning to trade a new market, or just aiming to hit your first set of consistent wins — you're in this for the long haul.
You’re not out here chasing trophies like professional tennis players. You’re building a skill that will serve you over years and decades.
So include long-term goals in your trading plan. What do you want to try and make over a month, 6 months, a year?
Focus on consistency, not flash. That’s what keeps you in your trading game.
The Real Win
It’s easy to think you need a bunch of blockbuster trades that skyrocket your trading account. Or that you need to avoid every loss possible.
But what if the real win is this:
You managed the trade with clarity. You stuck to your system. You protected your capital.
That's a championship-level performance, even if it doesn’t always make the highlight reel!
💬 Your Turn
What’s one area of your trade management you could improve — not for flash, but for consistency?
Leave a comment below or jot a quick note in your trading journal today.
That’s where long-term change begins.
~Hima
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