The Fitz Factor

 In this episode, Dan dives into the real edge that separates pros from amateurs: tracking. Whether it's your fitness, sleep, screen time—or your trades—if you don't measure it, you can't improve it. Dan breaks down how consistent tracking leads to better performance, the concept of trading expectancy, and why journaling your wins and your mistakes is the fastest way to real growth. He also explains a common and destructive habit: averaging down, and why it's like giving a raise to your worst employee. This is your call to get serious about trading—like a professional, not a gambler. What You'll Learn: Why journaling and data tracking are essential for trading success The true meaning of trading expectancy and how to use it Why small losses are part of the game—and how to make them count Why doubling down on losers is the fastest way to blow up your account The difference between being a trader and a gunslinger Why TradeTrak exists (and how it eliminates your excuses) Want more trading insights? Get my Free Chart of the Day: Stock Trading & Technical Analysis Education & Courses - Stock Market Mentor Join Stock Market Mentor for just $7 for your first 14 days:  Member Signup - Stock Market Mentor Don't forget to subscribe, and follow us on: X: https://x.com/DanFitzpatrick X: https://X.com/Scottrades IG: @realstockmarketmentor  

 In this episode, Dan tears apart one of the biggest myths in trading — the power of predictions. Spoiler: the market doesn't care what you think. Instead, he shows you why preparation always beats prediction, why mindset matters more than your setup, and why rules-based trading is the real edge for consistent profits. Dan shares tactical advice you can apply today: creating your own trading rules, controlling emotions, building emotional durability, and journaling your trades properly for real growth. If you're tired of guessing and ready to start thinking like a real trader, this is your episode. What You'll Learn: Why “obvious” trades usually fail How controlling your emotions is your only real edge The difference between paper trading with and without rules How to build a bulletproof trading mindset that beats volatility Why consistent, rules-based systems always outperform gut feel Dan's “SMART” framework for professional trading setups Key Takeaways: Preparation wins. Prediction kills. Emotional capital is more valuable than financial capital. Your edge isn't your stock pick — it's your discipline. Want more trading insights? Get my Free Chart of the Day: Stock Trading & Technical Analysis Education & Courses - Stock Market Mentor Join Stock Market Mentor for just $7 for your first 14 days:  Member Signup - Stock Market Mentor Don't forget to subscribe, and follow us on: X: https://x.com/DanFitzpatrick X: https://X.com/Scottrades IG: @realstockmarketmentor  

 In this episode, Dan draws powerful lessons from an unexpected place—the NFL Draft. While watching with a former pro player, Dan realized that the same five traits NFL teams seek in players—performance under pressure, work ethic, adaptability, humility, and durability—are exactly what separate great traders from the rest. Dan dives deep into how you can build these traits into your trading process, shares why repetition is the real secret to success, and why discipline and boring habits beat chasing dopamine hits every single time. He wraps up with a reminder that preparation beats prediction every day of the week—and how you can truly stay in the game for the long haul. What You'll Learn: Why high-pressure environments reveal your true trading character How boring, consistent work is the foundation for profitable trading Why adaptability matters more than predictions How humility can save your account (and your sanity) The mindset shift to think in trading series rather than one-off trades Why preparation, not prediction, is the trader's real edge Key Takeaways: Trading is a game of consistency, humility, and preparation. Boredom = Profit when it's the result of a great process. Good traders react to the market, they don't predict it. Want more trading insights? Get my Free Chart of the Day: Stock Trading & Technical Analysis Education & Courses - Stock Market Mentor Join Stock Market Mentor for just $7 for your first 14 days:  Member Signup - Stock Market Mentor Don't forget to subscribe, and follow us on: X: https://x.com/DanFitzpatrick X: https://X.com/Scottrades IG: @realstockmarketmentor  

The market doesn't care how smart you are, and it definitely doesn't care what you think is “fair.” In this episode, Dan breaks down the cold truth about why your opinion doesn't move prices, and why trading without rules is a guaranteed way to wreck your account.   Key Takeaways:   You Don't Get a Vote – The market sets the rules. You don't. Think something's gone “too far”? Too bad. Price wins every time. The Market Can Be Dumb AND Right – The market can move irrationally and still be the authority. Fighting that reality will cost you a lot of money. Stop Negotiating With Your Account – If you're making deals with yourself mid-trade, you've already lost. Discipline is non-negotiable. Rules Are Armor – They protect you when things get volatile. Without them, you're just out there hoping the market goes your way. Success = Discipline, Not Predictions – Great traders follow plans, not opinions. What you feel doesn't matter — what you do does.   Watch the full video and start trading like a pro, not a guesser.  

Every trader makes mistakes, but the best ones learn from them. In this episode, Dan Fitzpatrick breaks down why discipline and risk management are the real keys to long-term success. From avoiding account-killing losses to knowing when to adapt your strategy, this session will change how you think about trading. Key Takeaways: Big Losses Are Optional – Every trader takes losses, but the pros keep them small. One mistake can wipe out months of gains, don't let it be you. Your Strategy Isn't Failing, You Are – If your system isn't working, stop using it. Adapting to the market is a trader's real edge. The “Feeling” That Ruins Traders – The stock looks like it's going to the moon? That's exactly when you should be most cautious. Rules Keep You in the Game – Guardrails exist for a reason. The only way to guarantee a blowup is to break them. Never Trade Your Lifestyle – If your trading affects your quality of life, you're doing it wrong. Smart traders never risk what they can't afford to lose. Watch the full breakdown and learn how to trade smarter starting today!

Losses are inevitable in trading—but how you handle them determines your success. In this episode, Dan Fitzpatrick breaks down why accepting and managing losses is the key to long-term profitability and how discipline separates great traders from those who blow up their accounts.  Key Takeaways: Losses Are Part of the Game – The best traders don't avoid losses; they manage them effectively. Small Losses Prevent Big Disasters – Every big loss starts as a small one—cut it early, and you stay in control. The “Get My Money Back” Trap – Holding onto a losing position hoping for a comeback? That's a recipe for disaster. Follow Your Rules, No Exceptions – Your trading rules exist to keep you out of trouble—stick to them. Don't Be a Stubborn Bull – Refusing to sell as a stock drops? You're only marking the bottom for smarter traders. You Can Always Get Back In – Selling doesn't mean you can't re-enter a better trade later. Small losses free up capital for better opportunities.  Watch the full breakdown and take control of your trading mindset today!

Dan and Scott are back with 2 things you can do to vastly improve your trading performance not just for today or this week but for the entire year.  Track Your Trades: https://tradetrak.com/ Follow Dan and Scott on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick http://www.Twitter.com/Scottrades

In this episode of Fitzfactor, Dan and Scott examine what it means when billionaires like Warren Buffett or Jeff Bezos sell large amounts of stock. They discuss whether these moves should influence your trading strategy and how to interpret market reactions. Tune in to learn how to navigate these headline-grabbing sales like a pro! Follow Dan and Scott on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick http://www.Twitter.com/Scottrades If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

In this episode of Fitzfactor, Dan and Scott delve into the complexities of trading through binary events like elections, earnings, or economic reports. They discuss strategies to minimize risk, avoid gambling, and trade with confidence after the event unfolds. Learn how to navigate these high-stakes situations like a pro! Follow Dan and Scott on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick http://www.Twitter.com/Scottrades If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

In this episode, Dan and Scott tackle the intricacies of managing a hot stock. They discuss essential strategies like using stops, volume-weighted averages, and a steady mindset to capitalize on rapid gains without getting overwhelmed. Tune in to gain insights on keeping emotions in check and maximizing potential in volatile trades. Follow Dan and Scott on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick http://www.Twitter.com/Scottrades If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

In this episode, Dan and Scott explore Trading in a WOW environment focusing on the concept of climbing the "wall of worry" and its impact on market dynamics. They dive into how traders can leverage institutional strategies to thrive amid market uncertainty, sharing insights on staying ahead in volatile conditions. Follow Dan and Scott on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick http://www.Twitter.com/Scottrades If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

In this episode, Dan and Scott dive deep into one of the biggest switches you can make as a trader: going from aiming to make money to aiming to trade well. When you make that switch, you set yourself up for better results and better mental habits. Find out why inside. Follow Dan and Scott on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick http://www.Twitter.com/Scottrades If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

In this episode of the Fitz Factor, Dan and Scott dive deep into one of the most important parts of trading - paying yourself out. As a trader, it's often hard to decide exactly when to get paid, and to figure out how to pay yourself without damaging your positions. Ready for the Stock Market Mentor take on getting paid out?  Follow Dan and Scott on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick http://www.Twitter.com/Scottrades If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

In this episode of the Fitz Factor Podcast Dan talks about the connection between Mental Health and Success in Trading. The two are more important than you probably realize. If you're going through a storm, you likely won't be able to achieve the results you desire, so before you put your money to work make sure you have a clear mind and a clean desk.  Follow Dan and Scott on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick http://www.Twitter.com/Scottrades If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

In this episode Dan Fitzpatrick emphasizes the importance of seeking out mentors and learning from them. Follow Dan and Scott on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick http://www.Twitter.com/Scottrades If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

In this episode of Fitz Factor Dan and Scott touch on the Federal Reserve and who is really driving this market. They also talk about following financial pundits on television and how it's easy to be an armchair stock quarterback but real trading is much more difficult. Dan also emphasizes the importance of being candid and honest when he and Scott are giving you their analysis because the truth is: Focusing on Constant Personal Improvement is The Key to Success. Follow Dan and Scott on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick http://www.Twitter.com/Scottrades If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

In this episode Dan Fitzpatrick argues against anticipating worst-case scenarios in the market. He dives deeply into the difference between good trading habits and anticipating when a stock might move or when a recession might happen. Dan explains his trading strategy and buying stocks when they're going up then selling when they stop, with a focus on scaling out and not timing the market. Don't become a "Sold-Out Bull" in a strong market! By the time you're done implementing to these Pearls of Wisdom you'll be sitting on a slant because your wallet will be so full of money.  Follow Dan and Scott on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick http://www.Twitter.com/Scottrades If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Your first 14 days are only $7.00. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/    

In this episode Dan and Scott emphasize the importance of understanding the mechanics of trading and creating good habits, rather than just relying on stock picks to make money.   Follow Dan and Scott on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick http://www.Twitter.com/Scottrades If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Your first 14 days are only $7.00. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/    

In this episode of Fitz Factor, Dan gives you a quick reminder to staying focused. In a world where 1000s of tickers are at your fingertips it's important to develop the ability to stay locked in on something for a longer period of time as long as that thing is rewarding you. Don't get drunk on charts, stay sober and intentional.  Follow Dan and Scott on Twitter:  http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick  http://www.Twitter.com/Scottrades If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Your first 14 days are only $7.00. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

The old adage of "Do You Want to Be Right or Do You Want to Make Money?" is usually true but in this episode Dan reminds you there's a sweet spot where you can actually do both.  Follow Dan and Scott on Twitter:  http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick  http://www.Twitter.com/Scottrades If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Your first 14 days are only $7.00. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

In this Episode Dan Fitzpatrick and Scott McGregor discuss the importance of continuous improvement in trading, with a focus on small, incremental changes rather than radical transformations. They also talk about how to prioritize learning from others and incorporating useful insights into your trading approach. Follow Dan and Scott on Twitter:  http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick  http://www.Twitter.com/Scottrades If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Your first 14 days are only $7.00. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

In this episode, Dan and Scott share their insights on why tracking performance is crucial for successful trading. They explain how to use data and metrics to evaluate your trading results and improve your decision-making. They also discuss how to balance confidence and humility in your trading career, and how to avoid overconfidence. If you want to learn how to be a better trader and a better steward of money, you don't want to miss this podcast.   Follow Dan and Scott on Twitter:  http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick  http://www.Twitter.com/Scottrades If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Your first 14 days are only $7.00. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

In a recent StockMarketMentor.com Webinar, a member asked Dan how he handles Trading Positions while on Vacation. His answer may surprise you!  Follow Dan and Scott on Twitter:  http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick  http://www.Twitter.com/Scottrades If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Your first 14 days are only $7.00. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/  

To continuously improve, reviewing successful and unsuccessful trades is essential. Take a closer look at one of our Active Trades on $ARKK at http://StockMarketMentor.com For the Video of this Podcast go to: https://youtu.be/u_hwbpkGWxw  Follow Dan on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Your first 14 days are only $7.00. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

Overtrading is the cousin of Emotional Control. In this episode, Dan shares how he avoids this common problem that can hurt your profits or increase your losses. Learn how to stick to your trade plan and manage your emotions when the stock market moves up, down, or does something unpredictable. Dan will help you navigate your trade with clarity and confidence.  Follow Dan on Twitter:  http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick  If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Your first 14 days are only $7.00. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

Trading can make you feel like a real genius sometimes, in our experience that's usually the time when you should be taking profits or at the very least adjusting your Stop-Loss. In this episode, Dan talks about how to remain self-aware when you see that green in your account.  Follow Dan on Twitter:  http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick  If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Your first 14 days are only $7.00. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

The weakest link in your trading chain is you. Are you Patient or Impatient today? Are you Trading your feelings? These are some of the common dilemmas that traders face every day. In this episode, Dan shares his insights on quiet contemplation and how he evaluates his decisions and actions during a trade.   Follow Dan on Twitter:  http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick  If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Your first 14 days are only $7.00. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

When you define your risk for each trade, you take control of what seems to be an uncontrollable situation. In this episode of Fitz Factor, Dan takes you through the things you can do to become a professional trader who does more than Hope and Pray that your trade works out.  Follow Dan and Scott on Twitter:  http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick  http://www.Twitter.com/Scottrades If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Your first 14 days are only $7.00. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

Trading requires specific challenges to be overcome. Over-Trading, Lack of Emotional Control, and Keeping up with Market changes all play a part when trying to execute your plan. Trading is Emotional for 2 Reasons: it involves Money & Ego. Dan explains how he's overcome these aspects and the actions he takes to execute on a consistent basis.  If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Your first 14 days are only $7.00. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/  

In this episode, Dan and Scott analyze how the Russia news over the weekend affected the market. Dan shares his insights on how to avoid emotional bias in your trading decisions, how to adopt different perspectives to understand reality better, and how to use chart Time Frames effectively to simplify your trading process.  Follow Dan and Scott on Twitter:  http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick  http://www.Twitter.com/Scottrades If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Your first 14 days are only $7.00. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

In this episode Dan Fitzpatrick and Scott McGregor discuss the Balance of Mentoring Traders and trading their own accounts, how when you start to feel really smart it's probably time to sell something and Dan shares a story about Creating Value and Capitalizing on Opportunity. They also talk about the importance of having Concrete Goals and how important it is to Narrow Your Focus in a busy market environment.  Follow Dan and Scott on Twitter:  http://www.Twitter.com/DanFitzpatrick  http://www.Twitter.com/Scottrades If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Your first 14 days are only $7.00. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

After the Fed's pause yesterday, combined with a “We are not done. Really, we aren't done” statement by Powell, the market is pausing just a bit to get everything sorted out.  All things considered--and there are a lot of things to consider--yesterday's action was pretty tame. Dan Fitzpatrick asks the question...has anything really changed?  If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, I recommend you become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Your first 14 days are only $7.00. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

Dan Fitzpatrick of StockMarketMentor.com gives his thoughts about the market and trading leading up to the latest Fed Interest Rate Decision.    If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, I recommend you become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Your first 14 days are only $7.00. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

Dan sent out a note to StockMarketMentor.com members recently about Self-Talk and wanted to share it with you as well. We only succeed as far as our minds let us. Use your self-talk as positive reinforcement and not a club to beat yourself with.    If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis, I recommend you become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Your first 14 days are only $7.00. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

Dan has a pro tip about simplifying your trading computer setup and using the tools you have in front of you.    If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis I recommend you become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Your first 14 days are only $7.00. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

In my weekly webinar with our members at StockMarketMentor.com I talked about some things relative to what I did this last week, where I went back to Florida to do a race car driving experience with a buddy of mine, Mark Minervini, and several others. It just got me thinking about things that I think are important and how we can put limiters on ourselves when what we should be doing is, rather than stepping on the brakes, we should continue to hit the accelerator. I hope this resonates with you.  If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis I recommend you become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Your first 14 days are only $7.00. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

In a recent StockMarketMentor.com webinar, Dan had a question from a member who had blown up an account in 2022 and struggled to get traction this year. Here's what Dan had to say, coming from his own experience. 

Here's a breakdown of the SVB Collapse and where we might need to go next.    If you're interested in more of this kind of in-depth analysis I recommend you become a member of Stock Market Mentor. Your first 30 days are only $7.00. Use this link to get started: http://stockmarketmentor.com/member-signup/

The market has been more of a 59 Minute Trading environment and less rewarding for Trend Following. As traders, most times we are actually not fighting the market but battling against ourselves. Dan Fitzpatrick explains how you need more than just discipline to succeed in trading, you also need to be a Determined Winner. Your Path to Success is a Choice.    Start your Journey at Stockmarketmentor.com 

This market can be tough on undisciplined or enthusiastic traders.  Traders gotta trade! Right? Well, there's more to trading than buying and selling.  A LOT more.  I've put together some thoughts on the most important aspects of trading that most traders never consider.  I think this is really important stuff, so please take it in. I hope some of this resonates with you.  I wish that I learned this stuff when I first started trading.

Elon just struck a deal with the government to share the wealth of electricity with others.  What does this mean for you, your EV, and the stock?

Dan talks about Good Trade Management and what professional traders do to Maximize their time. 

Dan covers the recent rise and FOMO many traders had as they chased the move in AI Stocks. 

Dan, Scott and Rocky recorded a new Podcast called "Trade That Stock"! The idea is to look at 1 Stock and multiple ways to trade it or not trade it at all. Today we're looking at Tesla.

In this piece to StockMarketMentor.com members Dan gets candid about keeping things simple in your life and in trading. 

Dan Fitzpatrick gives you a list of his favorite trading books and also some advice about when it's time to put them down and get to work.

Dan gets personal and talks about Life, Trading in this Enviorment and Building the Right Watchlist. 

Dan Fitzpatrick gives you a lot to think about when it comes to Tesla. 

The stock market today and the dynamics that affect you in what you are going to do with it. Today we discuss how this affects you, your business, investors, inflation and more.

Steve D Sims interviewed me recently on his podcast, The Art of Making Things Happen. We talked about Life, progress, passion and knowing when to quit. Listen to this episode to see what we got up to.