Today’s trade was a perfect reminder that psychology often beats logic in trading — even when the data says otherwise.
I opened a solid 2/7 DTE Double Calendar setup, and while my plan was to keep it overnight for theta decay, I once again found myself taking the early exit for a small profit.
💼 Trade Summary
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Date Opened | Tue, Oct 14, 2025 – 3:05 PM |
| Date Closed | Tue, Oct 14, 2025 – 4:18 PM |
| Underlying (SPX) | 6674 |
| Lot Size | 9 |
| Initial Debit (Entry) | 30.90 |
| Exit Credit (Close) | 31.50 |
| Profit/Loss | +$490 |
| Return % | +1.8% |
| Holding Period | 73 minutes |
| Strategy | 2/7 DTE Double Calendar |
Option Legs
| Expiry | Strike | Type | Action | Qty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 16 | 6595 | P | STO | 9 | 11.08 cr |
| Oct 16 | 6730 | C | STO | 9 | 7.24 cr |
| Oct 21 | 6595 | P | BTO | 9 | 25.91 db |
| Oct 21 | 6730 | C | BTO | 9 | 23.31 db |
🧠 Trade Reflection
The system told me to hold overnight, but my psychology said otherwise.
After yesterday’s win, I caught myself thinking, “Why risk giving back gains?” — and that’s when I realized this challenge isn’t just about optimizing entries and exits… it’s about mastering the mind.
The position wasn’t in danger, deltas were stable, and the setup was within expectations. Still, the urge to book a quick win was stronger than my plan.
It’s a recurring lesson: when you start to “protect” a small profit instead of letting the system play out, you’re trading your emotions, not your edge.
💬 Mindset Notes
- It feels good to lock in a win, but the short-term dopamine hit often comes at the cost of long-term growth.
- The real challenge now is to trust automation and not overrule it when things look quiet.
- Progress isn’t just in the P/L curve — it’s in the psychological curve I’m slowly improving each week.
“The hardest trade is not pressing the button — it’s letting the system do what it’s built to do.”
⚙️ Strategic Takeaway
- Theta decay is most powerful when trades are left to mature — not when closed early for comfort.
- Continue trading only on Mon–Tue (2/7 DC) and Wed–Fri (9/23 DC) setups.
- Document each emotional decision; these notes are my future edge.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The information presented in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as financial or investment advice. I am not a licensed financial advisor. All trading strategies discussed reflect my personal experience and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security or derivative.
Trading financial instruments such as options, futures, or stocks involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. You should conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Use of this information is at your own risk.