Today I closed a winning trade. Booked a gain. The kind of thing I tell others (and myself) to celebrate.
So why do I feel bad about it?
Maybe “bad” isn’t the right word. More like unsettled.
Here’s the situation:
The stock had started to break down a bit on the daily chart, so I followed my process and exited. Textbook move, right?
But here’s what’s bothering me…
The stock is still above its 50-day moving average.
It’s still in a hot sector.
And I had January 2027 calls. That’s over 18 months until expiration!
With that much time, why did I feel the need to micromanage?
This is one of those moments where the trade was technically breaking support, yes — but the bigger question I’m sitting with is: Did I kneecap this trade too early? Did I cut off a potential monster winner because I was too zoomed in?
My risk was defined. I could’ve ridden it longer.
Maybe smaller sizing would’ve helped me let it breathe?
Maybe I’m just overthinking? (I do that.)
But one reminder that helps bring me back to center:
I can always get back in.
Just because I closed it doesn’t mean the door’s locked. The market is fluid. So am I.
I don’t have all the answers. But I’m showing up, asking better questions each time.
That’s the job.
I review this trade, along with a few other profitable exits and stop adjustments in this week’s All Star Options Jam Session.
Watch it below. 👇
Remote video URL
Sean McLaughlin | Chief Options Strategist, All Star Charts
