Wednesday October 8, 2025

Q: What biblical verse and command is used as the basis for the devotional on trading psychology?

The devotional is based on Joshua 1:9, which says, 'Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.' This is discussed as a direct command from God to be courageous despite overwhelming odds.

n the October 8th AM Briefing, Micros Trader emphasized disciplined execution amid a bullish market structure, identifying key levels and strategic directives for the trading day. The session highlighted the critical trader mindset of stepping away after profitable trades and avoiding impulsive re-entry—a key differentiator between amateurs and professionals. Technical analysis underscored bullish control following a successful bear trap, with the 74 level serving as the pivotal anchor point. A deep psychological reflection centered on courage over fear, anchored by Joshua 1:9, guiding traders to act with discipline in the face of anxiety and uncertainty.

☀️ AM BRIEFING

Opening Remarks

In the October 8th AM Briefing, Micros Trader focuses on the essential intersection between trading strategy and trader psychology. The dominant theme of the day revolves around executing with discipline, honoring a bullish market bias, and developing the courage necessary to follow a plan regardless of emotional interference.

Micros Trader emphasizes a foundational trading truth: “See money, take money, and walk.” This concept is not merely tactical—it’s psychological. It reflects a trader’s maturity and ability to separate from the screens once the job is done. Professionalism in trading, according to Micros Trader, is measured not by how many trades you take, but by your ability to take one quality trade, book the profit, and walk away.

The Discipline of Profit-Taking

The primary "Tip of the Day" centers on disciplined profit-taking and learning to leave the screen after a winning trade. This is positioned as a crucial psychological edge.

Micros Trader explains that traders who cannot walk away after making money are often chasing another dopamine hit. They’re no longer trading strategically but emotionally. That behavior aligns more with losing traders than with professionals.

There is a direct correlation drawn between traders who overtrade after wins and those who consistently underperform. The challenge is not in seeing the setup but in walking away when the trade is done.

Market Analysis and Tactical Insights (Wednesday, October 8th)

Previous Day Recap

Tuesday’s market offered a textbook example of range-bound success. Micros Trader had identified a predefined range in a prior AM Briefing, and the price moved perfectly within that structure.

Traders took advantage of shorts, particularly near the 82 level, and used two smart exit strategies:

Exiting at the bottom of the range—called the “perfect exit.”
Taking profit at the next strong level, in line with the concept that price often moves from one strong level to another.

Once that primary move was complete, the market didn’t offer high-probability setups, and no further trades were recommended. Traders who respected the plan walked away with profit and clarity.

Current Market Structure

Micros Trader states that bulls are in firm control. The market executed a classic trap by taking out Friday and Monday’s lows and then closing back inside the range.

Price is now sitting in the “muddy middle”—a phrase used to describe poor trade location. Initiating trades here is discouraged.

The pivotal level for the session is 74, which is a confluence of the RTH halfback and the overnight low. This level is crucial for framing directional bias.

Other bullish factors include:

Price is inside yesterday’s range.
Halfback levels are stacking.
VWAP is upward sloping.

Strategic Directives

Micros Trader issues a clear warning: Do not short this market. Even though the price is near the upper range, the bullish strength is dominant.

The recommendation is to wait for long setups outlined in the battle plan. No forcing trades—especially not in the muddy middle.

The Psychology of Trading: Fear vs. Courage

A substantial portion of the briefing shifts to trader psychology, using the biblical verse Joshua 1:9 as a guiding principle.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Micros Trader highlights how fear manifests in common trading behaviors:

Freezing when a stop is about to get hit.
Hesitating to enter after a loss.
FOMO chasing after the move is gone.

Courage, according to the briefing, is not about eliminating fear—it’s about disciplined execution in its presence.

Micros Trader frames courage as:

Taking trades with proper size after a drawdown.
Cutting losses quickly and without shame.
Following pre-defined rules even when emotions push back.

Essay Format Questions

What emotion affected your trade today?
How will you respond differently next time?

Practical Application and Mindset Ritual

To put this into practice, Micros Trader offers a specific pre-market and in-trade ritual.

Before trading, write: “Be strong and courageous” at the top of your trading journal.
During trading, when fear rises:
1. Read the phrase aloud.
2. Take three deep breaths.
3. Ask: “Am I following my plan, or am I following my fear?”

Let that answer determine your next move.

A prayer is offered to reinforce the mindset: for courage, for discipline, and for surrendering the outcomes beyond your control.

Upcoming Economic Events

Wednesday: FOMC Minutes (possible delay due to government shutdown)
Thursday: Unemployment Claims and Powell speaks
Friday: Sentiment and Expectations reports

❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the "tip of the day" offered in the AM briefing?
The tip of the day is to take your profit, see money, take money, and walk. Micros Trader suggests that there is a strong correlation between being a failing trader and the inability to say no to the chart after taking profit.

What biblical verse and command is used as the basis for the devotional on trading psychology?
The devotional is based on Joshua 1:9, which says, "Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." This is discussed as a direct command from God to be courageous despite overwhelming odds.

In the context of the recent market action, why did Micros Trader believe the bulls won the day?
Micros Trader stated that while the bears took out Monday’s low and Friday’s low, the bulls won the day because price closed back inside the established range. At the time of the briefing, bullish momentum and control were clearly dominant.