- Lack of adequate research: There were times when the strike price I chose did not achieve the results I wanted because I most likely did not conduct enough market research or company analysis before choosing the strike price. I did not know enough about the potential of the company's stock to choose the wrong strike price.
- Blindly chasing the upside: In some cases, I have made the mistake of blindly chasing the upside and choosing a higher strike price. Because there were n...

Here are some general tips on how to plan trades for optimal outcomes:
1. Identify your trading goals: Before placing a trade, it's important to have a clear idea of your goals. Are you looking for short-term gains or a long-term investment? Do you have a specific profit target or stop-loss in mind? Understanding your objectives will help you make better decisions and stay disciplined.
2. Conduct research: Research is key to informed trading decisions. Consider reading up on the financial marke...

Something an old-hand investor told our colleague years before helped him move forward: Treat the company you work for like any other stock in your portfolio, and manage risk accordingly. This is the company that pays my paycheque – do I really want my investments all tied up with the same company? That's an awful lot of risk. Now I regularly diversify and balance my portfolio.