After the close, I spoke with both Vice Presidents as well. On Monday, I will meet with them again and give them my plan for change and better performance. I can't control how much I make on any given day, but I can control the process of getting better. This isn't a mandatory move but a voluntary call for help. I'm not incompetent. I have full faith that I will get better and learn how to reap rewards out of this market. I'm going to figure this out. On the topic of help, I was also given a call from Mr. Charts Gone Wild, John Lee. After sending him an email expressing my situation and frustration with a lack of progression, he wanted to speak with me and just have a conversation about performance and work ethic. I didn't really know what to expect but we had a great conversation. I feel much better having the opportunity to speak to my mentor, the management folks, Dr. Katz, and John. I needed to open up and I'm happy I did. I am convinced that by the end of the year, I will have good news for everyone. Also, thanks to my buddy Allen for giving me a call. I know I removed myself from all social circles, but you all will never understand how appreciative I am when a friend gives me a call.

     Before I end this post, John Lee gave me some homework; send him a copy of my new trading rules that I will adhere to going forward. Here they are:

• Entry/Exit Signals - Where is the market doing? Where has it come from and how much room does it have to go? The answer to these questions will give me a broad perspective of what to do with my existing positions and whether or not I should be looking to enter the market. This is important because I want the "wind on my back" when I initiate a position. A choppy market is not somewhere I want to be.
• Trading Plan - All entries will have a well thought out plan. My risk should be well defined with a general area that I can take some profits should it go my way. If it's a day trade, a time limit should be included as well. Abandon trades that aren't going as planned.
• Risk management - All day trades will have a maximum risk of $50 (10% of daily loss limit). Daily loss limit will be capped at $500, or 1%. Cut losers quick and let winners run. Never add into a losing position. Always use hard stops as defined prior to the execution of the trade. Use trailing stops or raise stops to protect a profitable trade. Never allow a winning trade to become a loser. Always decrease risk when it makes sense to do so.
• Practice patience - Never chase a stock higher. Corrections occur in trending markets that will usually allow a second opportunity of entry. Once a position is in the money, be patient and let it ride.
• Trade with the market - the sums of a directional movement in a trend adds up more than the sum of its correction. Therefore, trade with the market.
• Stay in control - I can't control my wins and losses, but I can control my entries and exits, when I trade, and when I'll take a break. Be objective on the timing of each of those activities. When the market proves that my ideas are incorrect, be ready to adapt and hypothesize the next idea.
• Journal frequently - Trade objectively and record detailed notes about the day's session. Record the trading session and always be able to spot the best trades so you know what's profitable and the worst trades so you are aware of the mistakes.

"I'm in love with the idea that I completely suck at this and can't stop trying harder. Oh, I'll figure this shabam out."