Climbing to the Top
By Darlene Nelson

I have the unique opportunity to teach Traders with a wide range of knowledge. Some individuals are just beginning, while others have been around the market for 20+ years. There are some "laws of life" that seem unchangeable. For example, I know that some people will earn more than me in this market and, unfortunately, others will never have success in their trading efforts. It's sad to think that some people will not see their aspirations for financial success materialize. It is comforting to know what makes the difference between the winners and the non-winners (I choose not to use the "L" word).

If I know that some people will never have success trading, why do I still teach them? Should I not be honest and tell some people to save their money because they have no chance? The answer is simple, I have no idea who will be the big winners and who will end up a frustrated shadow - until it happens. However, I do know what makes the difference between winning and not when it comes to successful trading behavior. I also know what it takes for individuals to transform from frustrated investors into top earning professionals. What is the secret? Is it really that simple? Can anyone make it work? What do I have to know to finally start being successful? Who do I have to bribe so I can borrow the Magical Stock Market Genie? Sorry to be the bearer of sad news, the answer is not as easy as making a wish and waiting for money to fall out of the heavens. It takes patience, self control, the correct information, and practicing until perfect.

Being a consistently successful trader is a lot like climbing Mt McKinley in Alaska. Sure mountain climbing is difficult, and Mt. McKinley is the highest mountain in the entire North American Continent, rising 16,000 feet from ground to highest peak. It may seem like an impossible task, but climbing that amazing mountain is actually considered, by the professionals, "easy" when compared to other record setting structures. The climb might be considered "easy" (by experienced climbers) yet during the average season if 1,000 people make the attempt statistics indicate that 500 will succeed, 497 will be disappointed and 3 will die.