Profits Will Compound—Start Small

[Henrik Ekenberg]

Profits Will Compound—Start Small 
The beauty of trading lies in the power of compounding. While starting small may seem insignificant, it's the consistent, disciplined execution of your plan that allows your account to grow exponentially over time. Here's why starting small is not only okay but often the smartest way to begin. 

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1. The Power of Compounding 

How Compounding Works in Trading: 

• Profits from one trade increase your capital, which in turn allows you to take slightly larger positions while maintaining the same risk percentage.
• Over time, this snowball effect accelerates your account growth.

Example: 
Starting with $1,000 and consistently earning 5% per month: 

• Month 1: $1,050
• Month 12: $1,795 (nearly 80% growth in a year)
• Month 24: $3,222 (over 220% growth in two years)

Key Insight: Small, consistent gains compound into significant growth over time. 

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2. Why Starting Small is Smart 

1. Reduces Emotional Pressure: 

• Trading a small account minimizes the fear and greed that often derail new traders.
• It's easier to focus on the process rather than obsessing over profits or losses.

2. Allows for Skill Development: 

• Starting small gives you the space to learn and refine your strategy without risking large amounts of capital.
• Mistakes are less costly, making them valuable lessons instead of financial catastrophes.

3. Builds Confidence Gradually: 

• Success with small trades boosts your confidence in your system and execution.
• Confidence grows as your account—and your skills—expand.

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3. The Mindset for Small Starts 

Focus on Percentages, Not Absolute Profits: 

• Measure success by percentage returns, not dollar amounts.
• A 2% gain on $500 and a 2% gain on $50,000 reflect the same skill.

Think Long-Term: 

• Understand that trading is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Your small account is the foundation for future growth, not the end goal.

Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: 

• Acknowledge small wins as proof of your discipline and consistency.
• Learn from losses without letting them discourage you.

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4. How to Start Small Effectively 

1. Set Realistic Goals: 

• Aim for consistent execution rather than unrealistic profit targets.
• Focus on learning and refining your system in the early stages.

2. Use Proper Risk Management: 

• Risk only 1–2% of your account per trade to protect your capital.
• Smaller risks ensure that mistakes won't deplete your account quickly.

3. Keep a Trading Journal: 

• Document every trade to track your progress and learn from your experiences.
• Use your journal to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

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5. The Long-Term Payoff 

Starting small doesn't mean staying small. Over time, your disciplined efforts and compounded profits will lead to significant growth. 

Examples of Traders Who Started Small: 

• Many successful traders began with modest accounts, focusing on honing their skills before scaling up.
• Their patience and persistence allowed them to grow exponentially over time.

Key Insight: Every great trader once started with a small account—it's the starting point, not the limit. 

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6. Conclusion: Take the First Step 

Profits will compound, but only if you start. A small account isn't a barrier; it's a stepping stone. Focus on building your skills, executing your plan, and trusting the process. 

Remember: 

• Small, consistent gains lead to exponential growth.
• Starting small allows you to learn without unnecessary risk.
• The journey to big profits begins with your first trade.

Start small, trade smart, and watch your account—and your confidence—grow over time. 🌱