Learn one market thoroughly before risking real money
Choose a trading style that fits your schedule and temperament
Use a tested strategy with clear entry and exit rules
Backtest the strategy on historical data
Practice in a demo account before trading live
Start with small position sizes
Risk only a small percentage of your account per trade
Always use a stop-loss
Set realistic profit targets
Keep a trading journal
Track win rate, average win, average loss, and risk-reward ratio
Cut losses quickly
Let winners run when the setup supports it
Avoid overtrading
Trade only when your setup is present
Control emotions and follow your plan
Avoid trading with borrowed money
Use proper position sizing
Diversify only if your strategy supports it
Focus on consistency, not big wins
Review and improve your strategy regularly
Understand fees, spreads, and slippage
Stay informed about market conditions and news
Protect capital first, grow it second