Happy Monday, traders…
Jeff here.
I’ve been trading options since 1998. And over two decades of professional experience, I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to be a consistently profitable trader.
But I’ll let you in on a little secret … that wasn’t the case in the beginning.
When I first started working for a big European fund, I was nothing more than a two-point-something GPA from a state school famous not for its academics, but for having a good football team and a lot of hot chicks…
Yet I had something other traders didn’t — an insatiable hunger to win. I was what my boss called a “PSD Student” — poor, smart, and driven.
Now, after going through the gauntlet on Wall Street, I’ve seen everything the market can throw at me — the good, the bad, and the unexpected.
But with challenge comes growth. By dealing with these hurdles throughout my career, I’ve learned critical trading lessons that changed my life forever.
Still, I would’ve saved a lot of time, money, and stress if someone had pulled me aside on my first day in the markets and forced me to internalize these rules.
That’s why I want to pass these secrets down to you, so you can avoid the mistakes I made early on.
With that in mind, let me show you nine indispensable ‘Pro Tips’ I wish I knew when I first started trading…
1. Start with the Basics and Master Them
Options can seem pretty complicated at first. It’s like learning a new language.
But don’t get overwhelmed. I’m here to help.
Before you jump into exotic strategies (like iron condors and jade lizards), make sure you understand the basics (like calls, puts, strike prices, expiration dates, implied volatility, etc.)
For an options trader, understanding these concepts is as important as knowing the ABCs is for a writer.
Out of all the individuals doing various jobs, tasks, and hobbies worldwide … only a tiny portion of them will become true masters at their craft.
And I want you to be part of the minority that does.
2. Respect the Risk
Options can be a great way to make money, but they can also make you lose money … quickly.
Remember that with great potential reward comes great risk…
I saw so many traders come and go on Wall Street because they couldn’t handle their risk management.
But if you’re disciplined and stick to your rules, it’s not that hard to manage your risk.
Here’s what to do: Never put all your eggs in one basket, size your positions carefully, and always be prepared for the unexpected.
3. Harness Your Patience and Perseverance
I’ve seen traders get antsy, chase trades, and blow up their accounts. Don’t be like these guys.
Be patient. Wait for the right opportunity.
Sometimes, sitting on the sidelines and doing nothing is the best move.
The best trades are the ones you never make.
You need to harness the perseverance that the 90% of traders who lose, don’t have.
4. Be a News Junkie
Markets change. News events happen every day and influence stock prices.
But if you don’t stay on top of these catalysts, you’re trading with blinders on.
To be a great trader, you need to be a news junkie. Read financial news, track commodities, interest rates, and geopolitical events to help you identify trends.
Think of it like this: Would a boat captain head into an unknown ocean without checking the weather before he heads out?
Treat your trading similarly — you want to be prepared for anything the market throws at you.
5. Learn from Your Mistakes (But Don’t Dwell on Them)
Everyone makes mistakes, even veteran traders like me.
However, all the great traders I know identify and learn from their mistakes.
Instead of feeling down, ask yourself: “What can I learn from this loss?”
Don’t let one bad trade stop you from making ten good ones.
The worst thing you can do is allow a single loss to shatter your confidence.
6. Don’t ‘Tunnel-Vision’ the Numbers
Options trading isn’t just about math. It’s also about understanding human behavior.
People buy and sell stocks and options. And guess what? People are driven by emotions — such as fear and greed.
So, do your best to get in the heads of other traders, institutions, and market makers.
Try to understand what they might be thinking and feeling during a particular trade, and you may find it gives you a better big-picture view of your own setups.
7. Build Relationships
Trading is an individual sport, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t build relationships with other traders — quite the opposite.
By harvesting a community of like-minded trading friends, you can get multiple opinions on your ideas and theses.
Share insights, discuss strategies, and learn from one another.
I’ve met a lot of great traders over the years who have taught me priceless lessons. And now, I have the pleasure of passing that knowledge (and much more) down to you.
REMEMBER: Even though trading is mainly a solo endeavor, that doesn’t mean you can’t get help. We’re all in this together.
8. Stay Calm Under Pressure
Wall Street can be wild. Some days will feel incredible, and others … well, not so much.
But remember to stay calm, even when things get tough. Panicking won’t help, but some traders crack under pressure.
You can’t let this happen to you.
During the 2010 Flash Crash, I saw traders literally lose their minds — and their money — in the blink of an eye.
Meanwhile, I stayed cool, calm, and collected — and profited $1 million in a single day.*
If you feel your heart rate rising … take a deep breath, reassess, and then make your move.
9. Set Realistic Goals
Ask yourself: “Why am I trading options?”
Maybe you want to make some extra cash, or maybe it’s a potential full-time career for you.
Whatever it is, set realistic goals that are clearly defined and measurable.
Instead of a vague goal like “make millions,” work towards practical milestones.
Example: “I’ll make 20% profit on a total of ten or less trades this month.”
By taking these rules to heart and enacting them into your game plan, you can avoid the pitfalls that plague most aspiring traders.
I’m telling you these things because I wish I knew them when I was first starting…
Write these lessons down. Pin them to your monitor. They should be so ingrained in your psyche that you’re reciting them in your sleep.
Happy trading,
Jeff Zananiri
P.S. It’s only March and my GAMMA Code system has already given us multiple 100%+ setups this year…*
But if you want to start getting in on these trades before they take off, there’s only one place to start…
This THURSDAY, March 27 at 8:00 p.m. EST, the great Danny Phee is hosting a LIVE WORKSHOP to reveal the top GAMMA setups for next week.
Let AI help you find triple-digit winners* — Click here to reserve your seat!
*Past performance does not indicate future results
