Thurs Feb 14 Trades & Journal

20130214
Short 2 TF 919.4, 919.8, -0, +1.7
Short 1 YM 13942, -6
Short 1 ES 1515.0, -0.25
Short 1 ES 1515.5, +0.75
Short 1 NQ 2763.75, -0.5
Short 2 TF 920.7, 920.7, -0.2, -0.3
Short 2 NQ 2769.0, 2768.75, -0.5, -0.75
Short 2 NQ 2768.75, 2769.5, -0.5, +2.0
Short 2 TF 921.7, 921.5, +0.9, -0.3
Short 1 NQ 2768.5, +2.0
Total YM -6
Total NQ +1.5
Total TF +1.8

Opening trades were on the simulator today, with my trade plan behavior trigger of 2 losing days in a row putting me into the penalty box. Discounted the small stp-outs, and rationalized taking the last two trades with real money. The dollar amounts were not significant, but is always a bit of a stigma to shake off a losing streak, even if a short one, and get back to real trading. Without behavior triggers, I've watched traders continue to lose day after day, thinking 'I'll get it all back tomorrow'. The markets are difficult here.... although they're never easy... but this slow grinding action and contract bifurcation presents additional challenges. It is what it is. We trade with what's offered us. But if our trade plan is constructed to curtail losing trade behavior, we get 'stp'd out' of real trading and back on the simulator to execute our trade plan and monitor the market action and the trade results. Respect your capital. It's your most critical tool.