Knowledge is power

Back in my formative years, saturday mornings were a time for cartoons. One of these cartoons were a group of soldiers who go out and try to stop an evil organization called "COBRA". After the cartoons they would always show an infomercial type short wherein they say this line: "knowing is half the battle"

The power in that short phrase has stuck in my neural cortex ever since. It has always manifested in one way or another as I went along in life. Knowledge is an incredibly powerful tool for anyone. It can get us out of more tight spots, hard places and other sticky situations that anything. It will also make us to be more independent since we won't need to rely on others to get by. 

The phrase can also be applied to the stock market. This was the reason why I sought to learn how to trade. I look back at my past and the constant reliance on the tips or analysis of others and remember how it was a big drain on my confidence and self esteem. I was always on edge since I didn't know when the tips or analysis would dry up or end. 

Choose your weapon

Back then I would think, if they could do it, why can't I? We are all looking at the same charts right? What secret have they uncovered that allows them to have more winners than losers? These questions pushed me to look for a better way, to acquire knowledge. I went to so many different seminars by gurus and other stock personalities yet there was always something lacking. There was always the impression that the things that they were teaching were only touching the surface of things. That it was all superficial. I know since after the seminars I would still be unable to read charts on my own after the said seminars. 

This all changed after I entered the zf course. The knowledge transfer that occurred there was incredible, mind blowing to say the least. The course dealt not only on how to look at charts but the whole package. How to deal with emotions, trading mindset, expectation setting. Being more disciplined and systematic. Such a stark contrast to everything that I went to before. 

Now, trading is a little bit easier. I've figured out that there is no secret or holy grail. It's all in the preparation. Knowing when to trade and when not to trade. Knowing when to buy and when to sell. Paying attention to the details so to speak.

It's awesome to know the power of charting. 

When used properly. 

For like any tool out there, when it is used improperly, it could mean disaster. 

See below :P