Trading Goals for 2026

The best trading goals for beginners are process-based, not profit-based. Instead of chasing money targets you can’t control, focus on actions you can control every day.
Most trading goals fail because they target profits, lack clear steps, expect fast results, and try to fix everything at once. The solution is to set one clear process goal per quarter.
Good trading goals focus on:
Following your trading plan
Proper risk management (e.g. risking only 1% per trade)
Controlling emotions and avoiding overtrading
Journaling and reviewing trades consistently
Break annual goals into quarterly micro-goals, track your behavior (not just P&L), and aim for 80% consistency, not perfection. Review and adjust goals every quarter as you learn.
Bottom line: You can’t control market outcomes, but you can control your discipline, habits, and execution. Master the process, and profits will follow.