"A successful short-term trading system must be profitable, consistent, and personal, conforming to the unique psychological and methodological needs of the individual,".  Such a trading method has the following tenets.

Patience Is Your Edge

The edge of the floor trader is buying the bid and selling the offer. This is an unreasonable expectation for off-the-floor day- and swing-traders. However, there are other ways to maintain an edge. Patience and preparation serve to create an edge that helps build and conserve equity. Knowing what you expect the market to do and waiting patiently for the market to come to you-­in other words, to meet your expectations, gives you that edge.

Good Daytraders and Swing Traders Result from High Percentage of "Set-ups"

Each day must be viewed in a larger context, which might be one day to two weeks of market action. Understanding how markets "set up" to make predictable moves and anticipating these moves through the set-up is a valuable key to success.

Anticipating Market Opportunities

In most instances, waiting for the market to demonstrate what appears to be a trading opportunity will result in entering too late for maximum profits.

Predetermined Buy and Sell Areas Must Be Executed

For those traders who have difficulty "pulling the trigger," putting resting orders in the market will get you into or out of the trade.

Trade One Set-Up Per Market Day

Overtrading comes from indecision and anxiety. By setting your sights on one good set-up in a market, you avoid trading your emotions.

Ignore the Noise, Follow the Signal

Much of what a market does during the day can be considered noise--that is, market action without meaning. Hanging on every tick can be a wearisome and misleading chore. You must eliminate your reactions to the noise and follow the essential signals.

Take "Fast-Market" or Climax Condition Profits

In day- or swing-trading it is a good idea to exit a profitable trade if the market climaxes on heavy tick volume or "fast-market" conditions. It is a high probability that the high or low of the day is being made at this time. If the market hits your resting entry orders under these conditions, expect immediate profits or be alert for another wave in the same direction.

Abandon Dull or Non-Performing Markets

If you find yourself in a market that is very dull--look elsewhere. Time is scarce and watching a dull market drains energy.

Jim Wyckoff
TradingEducation.com