Those are excellent steps in the right direction. Let’s assume you have chosen your stock broker or futures broker, you have decided on the best quote and charting software for you.

Seems like you are now ready to succeed in the world of trading. And, if you have accomplished these steps you're probably ahead of 95% of the investors out there if you have chosen well (and hopefully we have helped you do just that.)

But, one thing all traders find is that as easy or as straightforward and logical as trading might seem on paper -- or in your mind -- it is far more complicated than that. Perhaps the most important investing tip we can give you is this. You will have absolutely no control over the markets. You cannot influence which direction they go. You can scream and yell at the screen all you want but like cheering for your favorite sports team on television -- nobody is going to hear it. Realize that the best investing strategy will react to the movements of the market, stocks, futures and so on and ideally put the odds in your favor each time you take a trade. But, realize also that you are just a follower. You're trying to take a piece of a move that you cannot control.

Some people hate the idea that they do not have control. It's not like a job where you can control most of the variables -- this is what makes trading so unique and challenging.

One of the key investing tips is to realize that while you have no market control you have total mind control. Of yourself. The most successful traders are able to deal with the emotions of trading - the wins and the losses. The failures and the successes. They have the psychological fortitude to realize that each losing trade gets them closer to the next winning trade. That challenging market conditions are followed by rewarding markets.

It is a complete and total mind game out there. You must learn to control this one key variable. And the good news is, you are in total control (or at least we hope you are!)

How do you do that? There are a couple of excellent trading books you should probably consider. These are two of the best on trading psychology and as far as investing tips go you're small investment in either or both of these books will be a wise investment. Review these for numerous investing tips:

• Trading for a Living: Psychology, Trading Tactics, Money Management by Alexander Elder
  
  
• Trading in the Zone: Master the Market with Confidence, Discipline and a Winning Attitude by Mark Douglas
  

You can get these typically at most leading booksellers or online at Investing Tips from Amazon. There are many other investing tips we can suggest but one final one to consider for now. Too often we speak to traders new or experienced who cut every corner when it comes to their trading resources. They are willing to risk thousands of dollars on trading but when it comes to investing some time and a few dollars on a trading book it simply does not happen. If you are going to be putting up hundreds and thousands of dollars at risk in the market you simply cannot do this without all the best tools and resources. Do not, cut corners. It's a sure way failure and the goal here is to succeed right?