To be successful, traders should steer clear of using excessive leverage "just in case." This is because it can magnify both the potential for profit and the risk of loss. 

Without a solid trading plan in place, the risk of loss becomes more pronounced. Ultimately, success in trading is all about maintaining a disciplined approach, rather than relying on luck.

When we engage in "just in case" thinking, we allow our emotions to influence our decisions, which can hinder logical and effective risk management when trading futures for profit. This approach is unreliable and can result in uncontrollable outcomes, as risks are chosen impulsively rather than through a strategic plan. Although haphazard betting may yield some gains, the losses that follow can far outweigh any unearned profits.

To make the most of leverage, it's important to follow a sensible approach. Traders can improve their skills by practicing with caution and avoiding impulsive risk-taking without proper planning and evaluation. It's better to make conscious decisions about the risks they take, rather than letting the risks control them.

Experienced professionals understand that taking risks without a clear purpose can lead to negative outcomes. Instead, they focus on building a solid method through careful planning and setting risk limits. They prioritize steady progress over quick rewards, and make trades with a long-term perspective, considering probability rather than relying on sudden strokes of luck that can quickly disappear.
Having control is essential for being flexible. The belief that we can plan for every possible scenario, also known as "just in case," is misleading. It can result in poor decision-making and a cycle of chasing losses from one bad choice to another. True success is achieved through evaluation, adjustment, and learning from failures while planning for the future.

There is a substantial risk of loss in futures trading. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Trade only risk capital.

The "Just in Case" Mirage: Why Traders Should Avoid Excess Leverage - Ep 116

In Episode 17 of the Optimus Futures Podcast, our host Matt Zimberg interviews Moritz Czubatinski from Edgewonk.

Matt and Moritz dive into a number of trading topics and focus on the EdgeWonk Trading Analysis Software. EdgeWonk assists traders in their daily decision making by providing actionable and completely personalized tips on how to adjust their trading approach. Watch the interview to see how day traders need to rely on objective data in order to improve their own trading analysis.

Interview With Moritz Czubatinski From EdgeWonk - Ep 17

Matt Z from Optimus Futures interviews the legendary Jack Schwager, the famous author of Markets Wizards, Hedge Fund Market Wizards and Market Sense and Nonsense. 

In this interview, Jack addresses the traits of successful traders and the steps they take to manage their trades. Jack goes over real-life examples of traders he interviewed and shares their experiences to identify what it takes to master the art of trading and investing.

Interview with Jack Schwager - Ep 18

Howard Lindzon, the founder of Social Leverage and Stock Twits, has a discussion with Matt Z about his decision-making process when it comes to investing, risk management and market trends.

Interview With Howard Lindzon the Co-Founder of Stock Twits - Ep 19

The following podcast is an interview between Optimus Futures' owner Matt Zimberg and Edgewonk's two co-founders, Rolf Schlotmann and Moritz Czubatinski. 

In this interview the group discusses various topics ranging from trading psychology, methodologies, strategies, how the two developed the Edgewonk Trading Journal and how it can be applied to one's trading career.

Edgewonk's website: https://edgewonk.com/

Our review of the Edgewonk Trading Journal: https://optimusfutures.com/tradeblog/archives/edgwonk-trading-analysis-software-futures-traders

Find Your Trading Edge - Ep 20

In Episode 21 of the Optimus Futures Podcast, Matt Zimberg focuses on order execution and how to implement different order types into your trading methods.

Matt also discusses discipline when sampling new order types, different situations where a trader might consider using a specific order type, and much more!

Futures Trading Order Types | Understanding Order Execution - Ep 21

What is a trading edge?

In Episode 22 of the Optimus Futures Podcast our host, Matt Zimberg, brings up the topic of a trading edge. This term is often thrown around in the industry, but very rarely is it actually defined. In this episode, Matt breaks down the definition of a trading edge, how to develop your own trading edge, and provides the audience with a new perspective to this term.

What Is A “Trading Edge” And How Can You Develop One? - Ep 22

Mistakes and failures are part of the learning curve when it comes to trading. Without such trials, it would be impossible to grow as a successful trader. 

In Episode 23 of the Optimus Futures Podcast, Matt Zimberg introduces five ways to screw up your trading, how to avoid them, and how to improve off of these mistakes and learn from them, which in turn, will undoubtedly make you a better trader.

Five Ways to $%#@! up Your Trading - Ep 23

In Episode 24 of the Optimus Futures Podcast, co-founders of Edgewonk Trading Journal and Tradeciety, Rolf Schlotmann and Moritz Czubatinski, join Matt Zimberg in the Optimus Studio for a second podcast session.

Matt surprises trading pros Rolf Schlotmann and Moritz Czubatinski with a list of questions that they had not prepared for. Listen to the podcast to hear a genuine discussion from seasoned traders as they chat about futures trading methods while sharing tips and advice on how to improve your own trading habits.

8 Futures Day Trading Truths Told by 3 Trading Pros - Ep 24

Increasing the size of your trades in efforts to make larger returns is something that every trader faces as they grow their account size and become more successful. 

In episode 25 of the Optimus Futures Podcast, host Matt Zimberg offers practical advice to the audience on how to safely, effectively, and gradually increase the size of their trades over a period of time.

How to Progressively Increase the size of your Trades - Ep 25

Trading failures, as discouraging as they can be, are essential to the building blocks of becoming a potentially successful trader. 

This podcast explores the idea of using your past trading mistakes as a mechanism by which you learn through experience how to trade more confidently.

How to Deal with Trading Failure | Turn your Mistakes into Actionable Insight - Ep 27

Listen to real, practical and implementable trading tips, ideas and strategies from experienced traders. 

There is a substantial risk of loss in futures trading. Past performance is not indicative of futures results. 

The "Just in Case" Mirage: Why Traders Should Avoid Excess Leverage - Ep 116

Optimus Futures, LLC

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