How to Bounce Back From a Blown Trading Account

Trading in the financial markets can be both exhilarating and challenging. However, experiencing a blown trading account can be a devastating setback for any trader. Yet, setbacks are an inevitable part of the trading journey. The key lies in how one responds and bounces back from such adversity.

Let’s dive in and discuss the top ways a trader can recover from a blown trading account.

Practice with demo trading again

Returning to the fundamentals is often the initial step toward recovery after a blown trading account. Reverting to demo trading provides traders with an environment to rebuild their confidence, refine strategies, and enhance their skills without the pressure of real capital at stake. It serves as a valuable platform for experimentation, enabling traders to test new approaches and learn from past mistakes. 

Treating demo trading with the same seriousness as live trading is crucial, as it lays the foundation for future success. Moreover, demo trading provides an opportunity to implement lessons learned from past mistakes, allowing traders to refine their decision-making processes and avoid repeating errors.

Understand the mistakes committed

A thorough examination of trading history is essential for identifying the mistakes that led to the blown account. Whether it was impulsive trading, inadequate risk management, or a lack of a cohesive strategy, understanding the root causes is paramount for preventing similar pitfalls in the future. 

Keeping a detailed trading journal facilitates this process, allowing traders to document their trades, emotions, and thought processes. Through introspection and analysis, traders can gain valuable insights into their trading behavior and make the required adjustments.

Open a speculative account

Opening a speculative account can be a strategic move toward recovery for traders with a risk appetite and capital to spare. This separate account, distinct from the primary trading capital, is designated for high-risk trades. 

By segregating speculative trading from the core strategy, traders protect the bulk of their capital while still having the opportunity for potentially lucrative gains. However, caution must be exercised, and risk management remains paramount even in speculative trading endeavors.

Conduct a Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a systematic process to identify the underlying factors contributing to a specific problem or event. A comprehensive RCA is needed to investigate the underlying factors contributing to the blown account. By analyzing market conditions, trading decisions, emotional triggers, and external influences, traders can gain valuable insights into their performance.

Pinpointing the precise causes enables traders to implement targeted corrective measures and fortify their trading strategy against future setbacks. It is a process of learning from mistakes and becoming a better trader.

Trade micro lots

Scaling down position sizes to trade micro lots is an approach to mitigate trading risk while rebuilding a trading account. Micro lots allow traders to participate in the market with smaller capital outlays, with about 1,000 units of the base currency, thereby reducing the impact of losses on the overall account balance. This conservative approach focuses on preserving capital while gradually increasing position sizes as confidence is regained and consistent gains are demonstrated. It emphasizes the importance of capital preservation during the recovery phase.

Seek mentorship

Learning from experienced traders who have navigated similar challenges can significantly accelerate recovery. Seeking mentorship from seasoned professionals provides access to guidance, accountability, and a wealth of knowledge. 

Engaging with mentors or joining trading communities allows traders to exchange ideas, receive constructive feedback, and gain valuable insights into market dynamics. Mentorship fosters personal and professional growth, empowering traders to navigate the complexities of the markets more effectively and recover the blown trading account.

Scale down existing trades

If there are open positions contributing to losses, scaling down or exiting those positions could potentially minimize further damage. Objective evaluation of each trade based on current market conditions and risk-reward ratios is crucial. 

Promptly cutting losses preserves capital and prevents further erosion, enabling traders to reallocate resources more effectively. This disciplined approach prioritizes capital preservation and strategic decision-making. 

Accept the losses and move on

Accepting the reality of losses is a pivotal mindset shift for traders seeking to recover from a blown account. Accepting losses as inevitable occurrences in trading and viewing them as valuable learning experiences fosters resilience and growth. 

Dwelling on past mistakes impedes progress, whereas focusing on the present moment and future opportunities allows traders to bounce back stronger and more prepared. It is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required in the trading profession.

Revive trading confidence and bounce back in full force 

Recovering from a blown trading account requires a combination of introspection, strategic planning, and disciplined execution. By implementing the above strategies, a trader can rebuild their confidence and become better after refining their skills. However, traders also need to acknowledge the risks and challenges that may arise.