I have been trading derivatives markets for years. From the beginning, I was captivated by the promise of quick profits. But reality hits me again and again: 91% of retail traders lose money trading these types of instruments. This is not an assumption, it is an official and brutal statistic.

Every time I enter a trade, I know I'm betting against the vast majority. And yet I still do it. Why? The adrenaline, the illusion of being in control, the dream of that big win that will change everything. But the truth is different.

My story: repeating the same cycle

I start out confident, after a good run or some advice.

I use high leverage because I want to win more.

I lose. Sometimes a little, sometimes everything.

I get frustrated. I go back in to “recoup.”

I lose again. With more anger.

And I go back to point 1.

It repeats itself, like a loop. I know I'm not alone: this pattern is more common than we imagine.

Why do most of us lose?

1. Because we believe we can beat the market with intuition.

We fool ourselves into thinking that “this time it will work,” when in reality we continue to operate without a method.

2. Because we use leverage as if it were a shortcut.

We multiply the risk without thinking about the consequences. What should amplify profits ends up accelerating losses.

3. Because we don't have a plan.

We enter without clear rules. We trade on hunches, not strategies. Without control, every trade is a coin toss.

4. Because we let our emotions take control.

Fear, greed, anxiety... are terrible advisors. It's happened to me: making impulsive decisions out of anger or euphoria. It always ends badly.

5. Because we compete at a disadvantage.

The market is full of algorithms, institutional traders, and players with more information, more resources, and more experience.

What have I decided to do?

Accepting that being part of that 91% doesn't make me any less. It makes me human. But it also forces me to change if I want to stay in this world.

1. I no longer operate without rules.

Every entry is defined by a plan. If there is no plan, there is no trade.

2. I use less leverage.

I prefer to grow slowly than go broke quickly.

3. I trade with a cool head, or I don't trade at all.

If I'm angry, anxious, or overly excited, I close the platform. I don't make decisions under emotional pressure.

4. I focus on learning from those who do win.

I analyze what those who achieve consistent results do differently. And I imitate them. I don't let myself be carried away by impulses, but by processes.

What I learned (the hard way)

Winning at trading is not a matter of luck. It's a matter of mindset, risk management, and discipline. The market does not forgive mistakes. It does not reward the brave, but the patient and consistent.

It's not a game of speed, it's a marathon of survival. And only those who understand that manage to escape that fateful 91%.

If you're there too

If you feel that your story is similar to mine, that your trading days end more with frustration than satisfaction, I understand you. I've been there. And I can tell you that change is possible.

First, you need to accept the truth: most people lose because they don't trade with their heads. Then, commit to real change. There is no magic formula, but there is a way. And it starts with a decision.

Continue trading with hope... or start trading with strategy?