So when it comes to trading, we think of ourselves as active traders.
We’re not just buying and holding shares for 20 years.
We’re getting in there — taking advantage of price fluctuations in stocks, options, futures — trying to buy low and sell high.
Whether you’re scalping, day trading, swing trading, or position trading, it’s universal: active traders take action.
But here’s the nuance I want to share today…
Sometimes, being an active trader means not acting
This is a little different from what I talked about in the blog post on why waiting is part of trading.
What I want to focus on today is quiet markets — those times when things are just slow.
And often, it’s not a surprise.
We know certain times of year tend to be slower:
- Like right now, July 4th week, when many traders are in summer mode
- Thanksgiving week and the holiday season between Christmas and New Year’s
- Or even before a key election or major economic data release (like a Fed meeting or Jobs Friday)
During these times, Wall Street participation drops, which can lead to:
- Choppy price movement
- Weak follow-through on trends
- And a general sense of… meh
Newer traders, here’s my advice:
There are two common mistakes I see when the market slows down that you can now avoid:
Mistake #1: Forcing trades just to “stay active”
If your market isn’t moving — don’t fight it.
Sometimes the best trade is no trade.
Mistake #2: Not having a plan for what to do instead
This is where you can actually turn a quiet market into a productive moment in your trading business.
Here are a few things you can do that support your growth:
- Revisit your educational materials
- Review recent trades (especially if you’ve been journaling!)
- Refine your trading plan
Tip: A journal isn’t just a log of entries and exits.
It’s where you capture why you took the trade, how you felt, and what you’d do differently next time.
That’s where the gold lives.
Your trading plan is your flight plan
Think of yourself as a pilot.
Every trade is a flight you’re trying to take off and land smoothly.
Your trading plan is the checklist that guides you from earliest preparation through final review.
If you don’t have a trading plan yet — this quiet time is a perfect window to build it.
Inside the First 40 Trading Club, I’ve made the process more step-by-step and affordable than ever before.
It still takes effort — don’t get me wrong — but you don’t have to figure it all out from scratch.
Because being an active trader isn’t just about clicking buttons.
It’s about knowing when not to click — and using that space to level up.
✅ Your Turn
How do you spend your time when the market slows down?
Drop a comment and let me know — I love hearing what other traders prioritize during quiet stretches.
📅 Upcoming Event
The date is set! I’ll be presenting at the Wealth365 Summit on Thursday, July 17 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern. Check himareddy.com/events anytime to stay up to date on my public appearances as well as our Tribe only events!
💡 Want Help With Your Plan?
I walk you through the entire process inside the First 40 Trading Club — step-by-step, structured, and affordable.
If you haven’t received your invite yet, keep an eye out over the July 4th weekend!
~Hima
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