I watched A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving last week. The final scene shows the Peanuts Gang singing “Over the River and Through the Woods.” They belt out the lines off-key and off-tempo:
Over the river, and through the wood, To Grandfather’s house we go; the horse knows the way to carry the sleigh through the white and drifted snow.
After singing the song, Charlie Brown says, “There’s only one problem—my grandparents live in a condominium.”
This simple holiday song carries a profound truth for traders. The lyrics describe a clear path through treacherous conditions. The horse knows the way. The destination is certain.
Without following that established route, we never make it over the river.
We could end up in the river. We won’t escape the woods. We certainly won’t reach the grandparents’ house or condo.
The Trading Journey Requires a Map
Every trade needs a destination decided long before we enter. The travel plan keeps us safely navigating through the blizzard of data and the slippery roads of high volatility.
We reach our profit destination because we know where we’re going. Without that travel plan, we aren’t even trying to get to our grandparents’ house.
Think about Charlie Brown and the football. He approaches with excitement. He declares “I am going to kick that ball to the moon!” Then Lucy yanks the ball away at the last second. Charlie Brown flies through the air and lands flat on his back in agony.
This is trading without a plan. You can’t charge full force into a position expecting massive winners. The market is far trickier and more uncaring than Lucy Van Pelt.
Success requires the consistency found in a well-worn path. Your trading plan must be as familiar as that old route to Grandfather’s house.
The Path Forward
Follow your plan through every market storm. Track the established route through white and drifted snow.
When you maintain discipline and stick to your process, you won’t be crying “aaaaaaagh” and “good grief.” Instead, you’ll finish the stanza with “Hooray for the fun! Is the pudding done? Hurray for the pumpkin pie!”
This Thanksgiving season calls for gratitude toward the right things. Don’t be thankful for lucky trades. Be thankful for the discipline to follow your plan.
Charlie Brown’s faithful journey to his grandparents’ house teaches us that the consistent path gets us safely home. The horse knows the way because it has traveled that route countless times before. Your trading success depends on the same principle.
Blake Young
