Psychological risks

After reading some articles by Brett Steenbarger, i'm reminded of the... other risks involved with successful trading.

Again, anyone can trade, for whatever reason they really do. Most people think they're trading for money, but in fact are fulfilling some other need they have. To be perfectly honest with myself, trading does fulfill more than one aspect for me.

1) Monetary - the desire to make enough money to be financially free.
2) Excitement - the thrill of being in a position is unlike any other. it triggers feelings of anticipation (better and worse).
3) Significance - a sense of satisfaction when i made money with my mind, executing my ideas. it's also a thrill of feeling like i'm 'better' than the average person by being a part of something like this.

There might be others, but these are the main ones.

Now where does the risk come in? It's when you start to make trading decisions that aren't based on sound analysis. If you don't stick to your plan, you'll end up waving in the wind as your emotions take control of your actions.

I've just got to keep in mind that my objectives for trading are first and foremost, MONEY. Doing the RIGHT thing to make money. All else is secondary.