Becoming a successful Forex trader is part science and part art. You can easily learn the facts or the science and then the way you use the knowledge to become successful, is the art. To become a Forex trader you need to master both parts of the equation, and develop courage and perceptiveness in a market that fluctuates with the times.
The first decision to make is about whether it is something you really want to do. If you go into foreign exchange trading with a half-hearted attitude, you will be more fearful of downturns in the market that will leave you exposed to losses. Forex trading is not for the faint hearted.
Know your subject by researching and learning everything you can about this potentially lucrative income stream. The internet offers valuable resources and there are good books written on the subject. You need to understand how it works and how it actually creates an income stream for you. Ask questions of experienced traders and watch the market for a while. You need to have knowledge of sound trading strategies before you start out.
Like any enterprise, there are necessary tools that you will need; these include a high-speed internet connection and data feed. You can work from virtually anywhere there is an internet connection. Multiple monitors make the viewing of the many charts you will need, so that you can make informed trading decisions with confidence.
The next step is to create some strategies for yourself. Use the knowledge you have acquired to formulate trading strategies which you can then try out in the live simulations that are available online. Even experienced traders use these demonstration accounts when they want to test the effectiveness of a new trading strategy.
It is now time to open a trading account. Start trading with confidence in your knowledge because you have tested your strategy. Use the demo account as a template for setting up your live account to commence trading for profit.
Start a trading journal to keep track of what works and understand why certain strategies do. Record your progress in your journal and you will have a permanent record to refer back to. Continue to trade with your winning strategy and watch your bank account increase.