Jumping back into the markets is never like riding a bike, the markets demand respect—especially after a long break. Like our elite athletes returning to competition. They don’t just show up and expect to perform at their best. They go through weeks of preparation—warming up, re-building their strength, honing their skills again and mentally gearing up. Trading is no different, it requires planning and discipline.
How Do You Prepare for a Market Comeback?
Start with your goals. Write them down. They may be different to when you last traded, and they don’t have to be your all-time goals. Maybe start small and work your way in, staying within reason, while you find your feet.
Keep your objectives simple: Look to only enter the market when you see a ‘Classic Gann Setup’ that signals a strong, sustained move—ideally lasting several weeks. That time frame allows you to build a position gradually and manage risk effectively. Wait for the setup you know best, where you can trade with confidence.
Check the markets every day, even if your ideal setup isn’t on the horizon. Start to create good habits. If daily checks are too hard, reduce it to twice a week or weekly depending on your lifestyle & situation. The key is always consistency.
When a promising setup starts to take shape, that’s the time to zoom in. Analyse the relevant time frames, study the details, and evaluate potential opportunities. There’s no need to jump in, just live with the idea for a bit. Paper trade some setups, observe, and see what memories (good or bad) resurface. This process helps rebuild your trading mindset, getting you mentally prepared before you commit real capital.
Sharpen Your Skills
Get familiar again with your trading software and platform. Focus only on a few trading tools to start with, which will help you to stay on top of your analysis. The more you use them the sharper you’ll get.
When you feel ready, start small. Small positions, with minimal capital and take the pressure off yourself. Set yourself some price and time targets, stay disciplined, and avoid getting greedy. The goal is to exit before the next top, not at the top.
Trade confidently, but with a clear set destination. If things go as planned, exit when your targets are met. If you’re wrong, adjust quickly. Even if the market shows unexpected strength, try not to reconsider your targets at this early stage. Take your profit and grow your confidence and mental strength.
None of this must be done alone. So, brush up on your skills and let’s do this together!
All the best,
Darren