10 Years of Options Trading: How I Saved Money and Changed My Mindset!

As an options trader, you know that the market can be a fickle mistress. One moment, everything seems to be going your way, and the next, you're down thousands of dollars. It's enough to make even the most seasoned trader feel like throwing in the towel. But don't give up just yet. With a little bit of patience and perseverance, you can turn your trading account into a steady source of income.

I know this because I have been there. I spent a good 10 years learning the ropes of options trading. I made mistakes, lost money, and felt frustrated at times. But I kept at it, and eventually, I found a strategy that worked for me.

What I realized is that options trading is not just about buying and selling stocks or indices. It's about creating a diversified portfolio of option strategies that can help you weather the ups and downs of the market.

One of the biggest mistakes that many traders make is putting all their eggs in one basket. They focus solely on one asset or one strategy and hope for the best. But as I learned the hard way, that's a recipe for disaster.

Here's what I've noticed - when indices act all wonky, stocks tend to give a steadier return. And when stocks start moving like crazy, indices tend to be a safer bet. But don't just stick to one asset, create a basket of strategies and deploy them in your trading account for consistent returns and peace of mind.

Let me give you an example of how diversification can make a big difference. A few years ago, I was trading only in index options. I had read some books and taken a few courses, and I felt like I had a good handle on things. But then, something unexpected happened. The market took a nosedive, and my account took a huge hit. I was devastated. I had put all my eggs in one basket, and that basket had just been shattered.

That's when I realized that I needed to diversify my portfolio. I started trading in individual stocks, and I found that it was a completely different ballgame. But it was also a lot of fun. I enjoyed researching different companies and finding undervalued stocks that had the potential to make me money.

I started to develop my own strategies for trading stocks and indices. I found that by combining different strategies, I was able to create a portfolio that was both diversified and profitable. I started with a simple 60/40 split, with 60% of my capital in positional strategies and 40% for intraday. And you know what? It worked. It was a winning formula!

Now, I'm not saying that my strategy is the only one that works. Everyone is different, and what works for me might not work for you. But I do believe that diversification is key to success in options trading. You can't just rely on one asset or one strategy. You have to be willing to explore different options and create a portfolio that works for you.

Let's talk about the importance of diversification in more detail.

Why is diversification important in options trading?

Diversification is important in options trading for several reasons. First, it helps reduce risk. When you have a diversified portfolio, you're not relying on one asset or strategy to make you money. If one asset or strategy doesn't perform as well as you'd hoped, you still have other assets and strategies to fall back on.

Second, diversification can help increase returns. When you have a portfolio that is diversified, you have the potential to earn money from multiple assets and strategies. This can help increase your overall returns and make your trading account more profitable.

Third, diversification can help you sleep better at night. When you have a diversified portfolio, you're less likely to be stressed out about the ups and downs of the market. You know that even if one asset or strategy isn't performing well, you still have others that are making money. This can give you peace of mind and help you stay focused on your long-term trading goals.

So, how can you diversify your portfolio in options trading? Here are a few tips:

1. Explore different assets.

As I mentioned earlier, you shouldn't just focus on one asset. Instead, explore different assets like stocks, indices, and commodities. Each asset has its own unique characteristics, and by diversifying your portfolio across different assets, you can reduce risk and increase potential returns.

1. Use different strategies.

In addition to exploring different assets, you should also consider using different strategies. There are many different options strategies out there, including straddles, strangles, spreads, and more. By using a combination of different strategies, you can reduce risk and increase potential returns.

1. Adjust your portfolio over time.

Diversification isn't a one-time event. It's an ongoing process. As the market changes and your trading goals evolve, you may need to adjust your portfolio to ensure that it remains diversified and aligned with your goals.

1. Do your research.

Before you start diversifying your portfolio, it's important to do your research. Learn as much as you can about different assets and strategies, and make sure that you understand the risks and potential returns associated with each one. This will help you make informed decisions about how to diversify your portfolio.

In conclusion, options trading can be a lucrative and rewarding activity, but it's important to approach it with a diversified portfolio of option strategies. By exploring different assets, using different strategies, adjusting your portfolio over time, and doing your research, you can reduce risk, increase potential returns, and achieve long-term success. Remember, diversification is key to success in options trading. Don't put all your eggs in one basket - create a basket of strategies and deploy them in your trading account for consistent returns and peace of mind.

If you need further help and mentorship to learn and implement these strategies like I do, check out the details about my Option Strategies: A Mentorship Program.