How is the score calculated?

Each checked statement adds one point out of 8 possible points. A score of 0 to 2 is low, 3 to 5 is elevated, and 6 to 8 is high. This is a self-reflection tool, not a clinical or financial assessment.

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Am I holding this losing trade because of the facts, or because of what I've already put into it?

Q: Am I holding this losing trade because of the facts, or because of what I've already put into it?

This checklist scores 8 common sunk cost signals, such as widening a stop or waiting to reach breakeven before selling, and returns a low, elevated, or high score based on how many apply to you right now.

Every habit in this library exists because I paid tuition for the mistake first.

Jason Parker, Founder of Trading Habits

Check What's True Right Now

Answer about one specific losing position you're currently holding.

I keep thinking about how much money or time I've already put into this trade, more than what happens from here.
I've moved my stop-loss further away since I entered this trade.
I'm waiting to just get back to breakeven before I'll consider selling.
My original reason for taking this trade no longer holds up, but I'm still in it.
I'm avoiding checking this position because I don't want to see the number.
I've considered adding to this position mainly to lower my average cost, not because the setup improved.
If I didn't already own this position, I would not buy it today at the current price.
I'd feel embarrassed explaining to another trader exactly why I'm still holding this.

Your Result

Check every statement that's true for you right now, then click Calculate to see your sunk cost score.

How this is scored

Each checked statement adds one point. Your score out of 8 sorts into three tiers: low (0 to 2), elevated (3 to 5), and high (6 to 8).
The sunk cost fallacy is holding onto a losing position because of what you've already lost or invested, instead of what the position is likely to do from here. The money you've already lost is gone either way; it isn't a reason to keep holding.
Revenge trading is opening new, more aggressive trades to win back a loss. This is different: it's staying in the same losing position specifically because leaving would mean admitting the loss.
A high score doesn't mean you must sell immediately. It means several of the reasons you're holding are about the past, not the current setup, which is worth separating out before you decide.
This is a self-reflection tool, not a trading signal. It doesn't know your actual thesis or market conditions, only what you tell it.

Risk & liability disclaimer: This quiz is a self-reflection tool based on statements you check yourself. It is not financial advice, does not analyze your actual position, and does not tell you whether to hold, add to, or exit any trade. Trading involves risk of loss. Trading Habits is not a broker-dealer or registered investment adviser. Make your own trading decisions, or consult a licensed professional, based on your full situation.

Am I holding this losing trade because of the facts, or because of what I've already put into it?

Check What's True Right Now

Your Result

How this is scored

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