Protecting Gains: Why Discipline Beats Greed in Trading
@ethanross:
Today, I closed 1 lot of $SPY 20250930 500.0 PUT early—before the Fed statement hit the headlines. It wasn’t because I feared missing out, but because I wanted to protect the gains I had already earned. Events like Fed announcements can cause extreme volatility. Emotions run wild, and many traders make impulsive decisions, chasing bigger profits. But greed is one of the fastest ways to destroy an account. By taking profits early, I avoided unnecessary stress and stayed in control. Trading isn’t just about strategy—it’s about psychology. Knowing when “enough is enough” is what separates consistent traders from those who burn out chasing the next big move. Discipline isn’t glamorous, but it keeps you in the game for the long haul. Remember: locking in profits isn’t a loss—it’s insurance for