You know, I often see the same mistake among traders. They start the day with a clear goal: to make exactly $100. The market is sluggish, there are no good entry points. But psychological pressure is already mounting, and before you know it, you're making a trade that clearly doesn't align with your plan. The predictable result: a loss of $200 instead of a $100 gain.

This is the law of Goodhart in action. When a specific number becomes the main goal, it ceases to be a useful tool. You start bending to that figure, sacrificing trading quality, overestimating positions, taking unjustified risks, and breaking your own discipline—all just to close the day with the desired result.

The problem is that the law of Goodhart works against you precisely when you don't notice it. You don't see how slowly your trading system is degrading.

Try rephrasing your goal. Forget about money as the final number. The market will decide how much to give you. Instead, set a goal like: today, I will be disciplined 100 percent. If the market doesn't give signals, you don't trade, and you've already won. If opportunities arise, you prepare and wait. Profit will come naturally if the process is built correctly.

Focus on the process, not the result. The number will take care of itself. Honestly ask yourself: does your daily goal develop you or cause you to make mistakes? This is reference information, not investment advice. Make all decisions independently.