Many traders start in the markets with the idea that they will find an exact formula to win quickly. However, for the Colombian analyst Sergio Andrés Monroy Hernández, what really differentiates a trader who lasts over time is not the indicators or the speed with which they enter the market, but the ability to apply simple strategies with discipline. In his experience, going from novice to a more solid trader does not depend on secret tricks, but on understanding how one behaves in the face of risk.
One of the first strategies that stands out is learning to identify the noise. Monroy insists that the excess of information can be more harmful than useful. New operators tend to load their charts with indicators, lines and signals that only generate confusion. He suggests working with few tools, understanding them well and avoiding changing systems every week.
Another recommendation has to do with risk management. For Monroy, this is the least attractive part of trading, but the most important. He suggests defining a fixed percentage of loss per operation and not modifying it without justification. He explains that most accounts burn out because the operator increases the size of the position after a negative streak or tries to quickly recover what was lost. In his experience, disciplined traders survive because they limit their losses, not because they win more than others.
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Patience also plays a central role. Many traders believe that the more they trade, the better their results will be. Monroy disagrees. He states that trading too much often generates impulsive entries, especially in times of volatility. He recommends waiting for clear setups, following the plan, and avoiding chasing movements.
Another essential point he considers is not to complicate the process more than necessary. He explains that many beginners feel that the more concepts they learn, the better their decisions will be, but experience shows the opposite. Monroy insists that a simple system, based on a few clear rules, a defined schedule, and a structure that can be followed effortlessly, usually offers better results than a method full of conditions. He comments that a simple idea, applied with care, ends up working better than an overly elaborate strategy that no one can sustain over time. You can also read: Psychology is another element that is not overlooked. In his sessions, Monroy usually recounts how emotions affect the trader more than he believes. The anxiety of entering, the fear of losing, or the euphoria after a good streak tend to distort judgment. He recommends using a journal to record not only numbers but also emotional states before and after each operation. This helps to identify patterns that do not appear in the charts, but do appear in repetitive behavior. Monroy also suggests keeping distance from the promises that abound on social media. He assures that most new operators arrive influenced by “results” that seem extraordinary, but rarely show the risk behind them. In his opinion, the novice trader easily falls into schemes where profits are exaggerated and losses are hidden. That is why he proposes to look for references that teach processes and statistics, not isolated screenshots.“Not everything that goes up is an opportunity and not everything that goes down is an entry”, he repeats frequently.
“Following someone for what they show, not for how they think, is a common mistake,” he explains.
The operations log is another of his fundamental strategies. Monroy believes that those who do not document their entries and exits end up repeating the same mistakes without realizing it. He suggests noting each operation in detail: reason, risk level, result, and observations. This process, although simple, allows the system to be adjusted progressively. He insists that a well-used journal can reveal weaknesses that are not perceived at the time of operating.
When asked what strategy he would recommend for someone who wants to improve quickly, Monroy usually emphasizes consistency. It’s not about finding a perfect entry, but about repeating the same methodology until it becomes natural. For him, advanced operators are not those who have more technical knowledge, but those who apply the basics consistently.
In his experience, lasting changes do not come from discovering something “new”, but from stopping making simple mistakes. Avoiding moving stops, not increasing risk without reason, working with defined schedules and respecting the plan are actions that, added together, produce better results. “Most people know what they shouldn’t do, but they still do it”, he comments. His approach aims to correct those behaviors before looking for more complex tools.
In the end, Monroy’s proposal does not intend to project a quick or extraordinary path. Rather, it focuses on improving habits that, although they may seem small, have a direct impact on the operator’s survival. For him, the transition from novice to more experienced trader begins with a simple phrase: understand what you are doing before expecting results that do not correspond to the level of preparation.
