Why Many Beginners Struggle With Trend Following: Lessons From Humbled Trader
The Humbled Trader YouTube channel, hosted by the ever-insightful Shay, has become a favorite among aspiring traders for its honest, practical advice. In the world of trading, especially for beginners, the journey can feel like an uphill battle—financial inconsistencies, outside skepticism, and emotional setbacks abound. In a recent video, Shay cuts through the noise to address a challenge almost every new trader faces: how to survive and thrive during those crucial first years without consistent profits. In this article, we’ll break down her candid advice, distill the trading wisdom she shares, and outline a clear mindset shift that can make all the difference. By the end, you’ll have actionable steps you can use—whether trend following is your strategy or you’re just looking for stronger trading fundamentals.
Facing the Doubts: Realities of the Early Trading Journey
Trading often starts out with hope and excitement, but the reality is usually much harder. Shay, the host of Humbled Trader, describes a scenario that feels all too familiar to anyone just starting out:
- No profits for years: For the first few years, most people aren’t going to make money from trading. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s the norm rather than the exception.
- Pressure from others: Friends and even family may not understand. When you admit that you’re not making money yet, they may think you’re wasting your time or even gambling.
- Negative energy all around: The skepticism from the people around you can weigh heavily. As Shay points out, “All this negative energy channelled towards you, it’s not going to help you become a better trader.”
I mean let’s face it—for the first few years, most people are not going to make money, and when you tell them, they just think you’re wasting your time.
For many, this period is the hardest part of the trading journey. The temptation to quit is strong. But, as Shay suggests, maintaining your focus and not broadcasting your progress (or lack thereof) is essential for surviving this phase. The challenge lies not just in mastering market patterns, but also in managing the emotional toll of doubt and criticism from those around us.
The Most Common Mistake In Trend Following Revealed
One of the core insights in Shay’s video is about a pitfall that plagues many trend-following traders, especially in the beginning: missing out on true trending markets.
She explains that the biggest disservice you can do to yourself as a trend follower is not actually being in the trade when the market decides to trend. This is when the greatest moves, and therefore opportunities for profit, present themselves.
The biggest disservice you can do to yourself is not being in the trade when the market is just a full-blown trending behavior.
This means that one of the most critical aspects of trend following is simply staying in the market long enough to catch those major moves. Many beginners make the mistake of exiting too early, doubting the potential of a trend, or simply not having the patience or confidence to wait it out.
Key takeaways:
- Trend following only pays when you’re actually in the trend—not on the sidelines.
- Mistiming the market and pulling out too early results in missed opportunities and undermines your strategy.
- There will be droughts and periods with little to no profits; these are normal and should be expected.
Understanding this concept is vital for beginners looking to build a reliable trading system around trend following. It’s about endurance, timing, and learning to filter out negative external opinions.
How Shifting Your Perspective Changes Your Trading Results
Trading is a mental game as much as a technical one. The insights shared by Shay force us to reconsider not only our trade entries and exits, but also how we handle setbacks and criticism while developing as traders.
Managing Expectations and Emotions
Shay advocates for a quieter approach—keeping your trading journey to yourself in the early years so others’ doubts don’t shake your confidence or breed self-doubt. This internal focus can shield you from the emotional turbulence that comes with seeking validation or approval from others.
Persistence Pays Off
Trend following is about waiting for the right conditions. Many beginners hop in and out of the market at the wrong moments because the waiting game is uncomfortable. Recognizing that trading is a marathon, not a sprint, improves your resilience.
Practical Mindset Shifts
- Embrace slow progress: Accept that not every trade—or even every year—will bring gains. Consistency emerges over time.
- Resist outside negativity: Limit discussions about your trading until you build enough experience and internal confidence.
- Trust the process: Build the discipline to ride a trend rather than second-guessing your plan at the first sign of trouble.
When combined, these mindset shifts will not only help you survive the early lean years but also put you in the best position to capitalize on those big trending moves that define successful trend following.
Grow Small Investments Big With Traderfriends
If you’re ready to put these principles into action and want a community that understands the realities of building from the ground up, Traderfriends is a natural next step. Surround yourself with traders who know that success takes time and perseverance, and access resources that will help you refine your strategy. Remember: the journey is long, but with the right habits, mindset, and peer support, small investments today can grow into big wins tomorrow. Take the step to invest in your education and experience—your future trading self will thank you.
