Losses are definitely going to happen whenever you trade, even if you're using a funded account. If you have just started day trading, seeing a loss may get you down and cause an emotional reaction but it is really important that you learn how to deal with losses if you want to be successful in the longer term. You really shouldn't see losses as something that only happens to you, think of them as just one part of the whole trading world. When you take a little time to cool off and think about why the trade didn't go as planned, you will be able to figure out how to adjust and improve your trading to avoid the same type of loss again. Once a trader acknowledges the fact that losses are necessary for learning, he/she can quickly regain control of the funded account and, therefore, become capable of consistently performing well.
Accepting Losses as Part of the Process
The moment you really grasp the idea that a loss is something that you go through naturally in trading will be the moment you will start handling losses more effectively. A lot of day trading beginners let denial or frustration after losing trades get the better of them and this ends up making them decide in a very impulsive way and overtrade as well. If you accept that losses are inevitable, you set yourself up to be unemotional about them and therefore you will not let your feelings dictate your trades. When you are trading with a funded account, i.e. with real money, adopting this mindset becomes even more crucial as emotional mistakes can very quickly drain one's account. You actually grow stronger emotionally when you accept losses to be just the way things are and you equip yourself with the right kind of mental discipline required to do day trading in a sustainable manner.
Learning from Each Loss
Losses, if examined closely, turn out to be a very good source of learning and insight. Day trading beginners can benefit a lot by going over their every losing trade meticulously breaking down not only entry and exit points but also market conditions and the strategy implemented. Using a trades logbook to jot down these types of insights gleaned from trading losing trade is a very good way to go about it. Turning a loss into a lesson means that you get to sharpen your game plan, become better at making wise choices, and eventually you will be able to get a higher level of success in your trading activities. It is through reflection that a trader with a funded account can remain in control of his/her capital and also maintain a healthy attitude towards trading over time.
Managing Emotions During Losing Streaks
Losing streaks are quite tough on day trading for beginners as these create feelings of stress, frustration and swings between over- and under-confidence. Holding one’s emotions in check is the single most important thing that a funded account trading day newbie can do so that the account is not damaged during the low period. A few of the methods for achieving this focus and keeping the mind clear in case of trading are pausing for a while, doing some deep breathing exercises and adhering to the trading plan strictly. If you remain cool and rational, then you will be able to make your decisions knowingly, i.e. they will not be a result of uncontrolled feelings and this will help you both protect your account and gain more faith in your trading abilities.
Conclusion
In short, the ability to handle losses properly is an indispensable weapon for any trader in a funded account and especially so for those that just started trading. Only when you take losses as being one of the things involved in the process can you stand the trial of going through a losing trade. Furthermore, managing your emotions properly while undergoing losing streaks will keep you on the right track and prevent you from switching to overtrading. Losing with a clear head is something that will not only help you keep your funded account, but also enable you to indulge in the bounce-back, and thus, help you create a stable platform for success in the long run. Getting this one right is probably the single most important factor that separates successful day traders from those who struggle, hence, it is a great skill for anyone starting out with real money.