I hadn’t planned to trade today at all. It was New Year’s Eve here in Canberra, and my priority was clear — family time and the evening fireworks. However, after taking three stop-losses the previous session, the market presented a high-probability setup that aligned with my system.
The market structure was strong, forming higher highs, and the setup met my rules. The only issue was the LTP. The short PUT strike I wanted didn’t offer ideal pricing, and it was clear early on that achieving a full 3R target would be difficult due to both the option price and enough time left before expiry.
Trade Execution and Early Observations
I still chose to execute the trade. Price moved in my favour, confirming the directional bias, but momentum was not strong enough to realistically expect 3R. I attempted to book profits at 2R, but price fell just short and continued consolidating.
As per my rules, the final hour required me to reduce the target to 2.5R. However, this is where discretion crept in. Carrying my laptop and trading setup while preparing to leave for the fireworks was already outside my normal discipline, and I was aware of it in real time.
Breaking Rules for a Reason
While driving to the venue, the market continued to move sideways — neither hitting 2R nor showing momentum for continuation. Once I arrived, I made a conscious decision to move the target back to 2R so I could switch off mentally and fully enjoy the evening with my family.
I also moved my stop-loss to breakeven earlier than my rules allow. These were deliberate rule breaks, not emotional ones — driven by the desire to prioritise family time rather than chase perfection in execution.
Outcome and Reflection
Eventually, price hit my adjusted 2R LTP exactly before reversing. Under my original plan, the trade would have delivered only around 1.5R. Ironically, despite breaking rules, I ended up with an extra 0.5R compared to strict system execution.
That said, the outcome doesn’t justify the process deviation. The result was favourable, but the behaviour still deserves to be documented and reviewed. Discipline isn’t about rigid perfection — it’s about knowing when and why rules are bent, and ensuring it doesn’t become a habit.
Key Takeaways
- The setup was valid, but conditions were not ideal for 3R.
- Discretion was used consciously, not emotionally.
- Family priorities outweighed strict execution for one session.
- Even positive outcomes must be reviewed honestly.
This trade wasn’t about maximising R-multiples. It was about maintaining perspective. Trading is important — but so is life outside the charts. The goal for the new year remains the same: follow the process, manage risk, and accept outcomes without emotional attachment.
