How is this different from the soft-stop checklist?

The soft-stop checklist is about whether to stop trading for the rest of today. This checklist is about a bigger decision: whether to step away for days or weeks after a drawdown before trading live size again.

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Should I take a break from trading after this drawdown?

Q: Should I take a break from trading after this drawdown?

Check 8 statements about how severe the drawdown is, whether you've broken your own rules trying to recover it, and how it's affecting your mood and behavior. The checklist scores how many apply and returns a continue, short reset, or longer break recommendation.

Most traders blow up chasing the setup they missed, not the one in front of them.

Jason Parker, Founder of Trading Habits

Check What's True Right Now

This is for deciding whether to step away for days or weeks after a drawdown, not whether to stop for the rest of today.

Your Result

Check the statements that apply and click Check My Signal to see your read.

How this is calculated

Each checked statement adds one point, out of 8 possible.
A score of 0 to 1 suggests it's probably fine to keep trading, ideally at reduced size while you keep reviewing what happened.
A score of 2 to 4 suggests a short reset, a few days off, cutting size, and reviewing your journal, before returning to full size.
A score of 5 to 8 suggests an intentional, longer break, a week or more, is a reasonable call before trading live size again. Paper trading or a much smaller size can bridge the return.
This is the opposite bookend to deciding you're ready to come back. Use the returning-to-trading readiness quiz below once you're on the other side of the break.

Risk & liability disclaimer: This tool is an educational self-reflection resource only. It is not psychological advice, a clinical assessment, or financial advice, and it does not predict your trading outcomes. Trading involves risk of loss. Trading Habits is not a broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, mental health professional, or tax professional, and is not affiliated with any broker, exchange, or data provider. If you are concerned about your relationship with trading, consider speaking with a licensed professional.

Should I take a break from trading after this drawdown?

Check What's True Right Now

Your Result

How this is calculated

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