The process for mastering anything is one that is centuries old. You start with the very basics and gradually master each step BEFORE moving onto the next harder one. To learn the basic without learning bad habits one must be free from performance pressures that don't hinder the actual chunked down skill you are trying to master.
I understand that, but the only way to learn to handle trading real money is to trade real money. Sim trading doesn't prepare us for that. I wouldn't recommend jumping in the deep end and trading the full amount, but starting smaller and working up to it.
So you recommended that first? Here's yet again another perfect example of that method,
No, I didin't.
Actually thats a classic example of backing up my approach not yours.
I didn't state an approach, you just assumed I did (note - you haven't yet made a correct assumption about me, at least none that I've read
. The only reason I posted was to point out that while sim trading was a very useful tool, it doesn't prepare people for the psychology of real trading. This suggests that I actually agree with "your" approach, that going from sim trading to trading real money at the full amount is a poor idea. Highest chance of success is starting small, slow and steady, building skill and confidence. We don't see athletes turning pro after 6 months of experience.
If you want to hear the approach I'd suggest for the sake of clarity, it would be to sim trading, watching the market and develop methods. After methods have been developed and confidence is high, move to real trading for a fraction of the full amount. Increase the amounts at a comfortable rate.
However, that does
not guarantee success, as many people just can't tolerate variance. We can prepare and prepare, but at the end of the day we're subject to our own limits.
It seemed to me that you were suggesting that anyone who experiences emotion has not prepared correctly. All of us are emotional, it's just a matter of how much, or how well we control it. If you're suggesting preparation is all we need, talk to an athlete of the highs and lows, the slumps, focus etc. There's plenty of emotion flying around in trading, and it shouldn't be assumed that person just lacked preparation.
Forgive me here, but I have never seen a "rookie pro".
You have seen plenty of rookie pros - any pro in the first year is a rookie. Rookie doesn't mean professional or not professional, just new to that level.