7 Reasons Why Traders Fail
I started trading in 2004 after playing professional football for 17 years. By 2009, I’d launched Trading College, and here we are in 2025 – still going strong!
Over the years, we’ve coached countless people how to trade successfully. Today, I want to share 7 reasons why most traders fail – and what successful traders do differently.
This isn’t some generic list made up by an Instagram influencer. It’s based on 16 years of coaching experience. I hope it resonates with you, and if it does, drop me a note at lee@tradingcollege.co.uk to share your thoughts.
1. Over-trading
New traders often think they need to place 15 trades a day and jump into every market to make money. That’s a mistake.
Consistency comes from quality, not quantity. I only spend:
- 1 hour in the morning. This could be anytime from (7–9am)
- 1 hour in the evening (8–9pm)
- 45 minutes at the weekend prepping for swing trades.
As much as I love trading, I’m not addicted to it – and you shouldn’t be either.
2. Trying to do it alone
Many new traders think they can figure this out on their own. They can’t.
They waste time with free resources that offer a “one-size-fits-all” approach. That’s not how trading works.
When I mentor traders, we focus on their unique personality and behaviours, tailoring strategies that work for them. Investing in yourself and letting go of your ego is key to success.
3. Risking too much per trade
You’re going to get trades wrong. It’s part of trading.
But if you risk too much of your account on a single trade, you could blow it all. Successful traders always know:
- How much of their account they're risking.
- The rules for funded accounts. If your using one.
If you struggle with numbers or reading (e.g. ADHD), try this:
- 15 minutes reading, then a short break. Then a further 15 minutes reading.
- Put your phone away to avoid distractions.
4. Chasing the next shiny strategy
Some traders come to us with a wealth of knowledge but no consistent profits.
They’ve jumped from one course or strategy to another, never sticking to anything long enough to master it.
The key to breaking this cycle? Deal with the underlying cause – whether that’s mindset, discipline, or clarity.
5. Buying cheap – buying twice
Ever heard the saying, “Buy cheap, buy twice”? It’s true in trading.
All my success came from investing thousands of pounds in mentorship. As a footballer, I didn’t pay for coaching, but I was coached by World Cup winners to understand what made them great.
In trading, I did the same – investing heavily to learn from the best. Don’t waste time on cheap courses. Quality coaching leads to quality results.
6. Overcomplicating your strategy
Yes, you need a proven strategy. But even the best trading edge is useless if you can’t follow it.
If your strategy isn’t simple enough to explain in two sentences, it’s probably too complicated.
A guy I met in the US once had a 320-page trading plan. Mine is just 1 page – and it works beautifully.
Keep it simple to avoid analysis paralysis and boost your confidence.
7. You can become a profitable trader
Let’s be real: some people might scoff when you say you want to become a trader. They’ll call it gambling or say it’s impossible.
Don’t let their ignorance drain your energy.
The truth? Anyone can become a consistently profitable trader. It’s a skill like any other. Whether you’re young or old, male or female, with or without a financial background – you can do it.
Just remember: don’t cut corners.
I hope this email helps you on your journey. Let’s make 2025 your best year yet.
Happy Trading,
Lee
Lee
P.S. If you want to jump on a strategy call and map out your trading success in 2025, click here.
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