The most dangerous markets are not bear markets. In bear markets, the direction is clear. Everything is going down. That’s tough, but at least you know what you’re dealing with. The real danger is when the market is directionless. Big moves up, big moves down. One day it’s euphoria, the next it’s panic. Everyone gets whipsawed. That kind of price action messes with your head. You feel like you have to do something, but almost every move seems to be the wrong one. You chase gap ups, only to get stopped out on gap downs. You start overtrading and second-guessing every decision. This kind of market wears you down, both physically and mentally. These are the periods you want to avoid at all cost. Learn to sit on your hands. Learn to be patient. And wait until the conditions are in your favor.