Thursday Trader's Tip: Rebel? Here’s How to Make Rules Work

Thursday Trader's Tip editions offer quick trading psychology advice that can be digested in 5 minutes.

Nov 21, 2024

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Watch this edition’s video at the end of the post.

In a past post, I challenged you to identify your accountability style based on how you perceive inner and outer expectations.

This concept comes from The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin, which outlines four types of people:

Upholder: They meet both internal and external expectations with ease, thriving on structure and rules. If they say they'll be there, they’re on time—no exceptions.
Questioner: They meet internal expectations but only external ones if they make sense. Logic drives them, so they might question a meeting time and show up late if it doesn’t align.
Obliger: Fantastic at meeting external expectations but struggle to prioritize their own goals without external accountability. They often fall into people-pleasing.
Rebel: They resist all expectations—internal or external. Rebels value freedom and independence above all. Give them a rule, and their instinct is to do the opposite.

Many of you who read the post reached out confessing to be rebels. If you consider yourself one, this post is for you. What can be done?

Why Do Rebels Break Rules?

It’s not the rules themselves that you resist. It’s the perception of what they represent: control, restriction, and barriers to freedom.

Rebels thrive on independence. Rules feel like a challenge to that core value. That’s why many rebels end up as business leaders—creating and dictating the rules themselves.

But when it comes to trading, viewing rules as restrictions is counterproductive. You’re not the enemy of structure; your perception of it is.

The goal isn’t to suppress your deep drive for independence—that’s a part of you. The real question is: How can you utilize this deep drive in a way that favors optimal performance?

Here’s how to flip the narrative:

#1 Reframe Rules as Guardrails

Rules aren’t restrictions—they’re guardrails you created to protect your freedom.

Think about it: you made these rules; they’re not anyone else’s script. Stop seeing them as limitations. Instead, view them as tools that empower you to trade better and on your own terms.

#2 Emphasize Your Autonomy

Rebels thrive when they feel in control. So, reframe your goals around the freedom you already have.

For example, instead of saying, “I must follow my strategy exactly,” shift to, “I choose trades that feel strategically sound to me.”

You’re not obligated to do anything. You’re the one making the calls. The market doesn’t force you to enter or exit—you hold all the power. Flip the script: you’re not confined by the rules; you’re empowered by them.

#3 Prove Doubters Wrong

Rebels love proving people wrong—it’s fuel for their fire.

Having someone on the other side who doesn’t believe in them acts as fuel to bring the best efforts out! It’s crazy how it sparks their competitive side.

Think of anyone who’s ever doubted your discipline or ability to succeed in trading. Channel that energy into proving you can be the type of trader who is disciplined, consistent with actions and committed.

Flip the Coin

Scientists prove that coin tosses are not 50/50 - Upworthy — Source

Reframing your perspective is the first step. But don’t expect instant results—it takes practice.

Consciously shift your thinking in two crucial times:

Before session as a mental preparation
Every time you notice signs of the problematic thinking emerging

Remind yourself: the rules aren’t there to control you; they’re there to give you the freedom to suceed.

The more you practice these reframes, the more natural they’ll feel.

Peaceful trading,

Sara

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