Best Advice from the #1 Woman in Trading

When Muriel “Mickie” Siebert - the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange - was asked what advice she would give to aspiring traders and investors, she delivered a simple but profound truth

Hey Prop Traders, here’s are some valuable tips, terms explained and prop firm news for July 31, 2025

📈 PASS THE PROP TRADING TIPS

The Best Trading Advice from the Most Famous Woman on Wall Street

When Muriel “Mickie” Siebert - the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange - was asked what advice she would give to aspiring traders and investors, she delivered a simple but profound truth:

“A risk-reward ratio is important, but so is an aggravation-satisfaction ratio.”

Most traders are familiar with the risk-reward ratio. It’s a cornerstone of trading discipline: How much are you willing to risk in order to make a certain amount of return? Ideally, a good trader seeks setups with higher reward relative to the amount of capital at risk - commonly 2:1 or better.

But what Siebert introduced with her statement was a human layer to the equation - an emotional filter that traders often overlook.

What Is the Aggravation-Satisfaction Ratio?

Siebert’s “aggravation-satisfaction ratio” isn’t something you’ll find on a trading platform or in a textbook. It’s not a mathematical formula, but rather a gut check - a way to assess the emotional cost versus the emotional reward of a trade or investment.

She’s asking:

  • Is the trade worth the headache it might cause?

  • Will this position allow you to sleep at night?

  • Even if the trade is profitable on paper, will it feel good to hold?

If the emotional toll of managing the trade - the stress, uncertainty, volatility - is disproportionate to the potential satisfaction of a win, then the trade may not be worth it, regardless of what the numbers say.

This is especially important in volatile markets, high-risk trades, or when managing large sums of money. A trade that meets your risk-reward criteria but causes constant anxiety, second-guessing, or sleepless nights may not be worth taking.

📉 When the Math Makes Sense but the Emotion Doesn’t

Let’s say you spot a trade setup with a 3:1 risk-reward ratio. On paper, it’s perfect. But the asset is extremely volatile, the fundamentals are shaky, and your stop loss could be hit by a random news headline. You find yourself checking the chart every 10 minutes, unable to focus on anything else.

Sure, the math works - but the aggravation outweighs the satisfaction. Even if the trade wins, the psychological cost was too high.

In contrast, another trade might offer a 1.5:1 ratio but is based on a setup you trust, with lower volatility and clearer technicals. It doesn’t cause you stress, and you're happy to hold it even through mild drawdowns. The satisfaction is high, the aggravation is low - and that emotional clarity may actually make it a better trade for you.

🧠 Trading Isn't Just Logical - It’s Psychological

Siebert’s advice underscores a deeper truth: Great traders aren’t just great analysts - they’re great at managing themselves.

Most people fail in trading not because they can’t analyze markets, but because they don’t know how to handle pressure, uncertainty, or drawdowns. The aggravation-satisfaction ratio is a reminder to build a strategy that fits not just your capital, but your personality.

  • If you're someone who hates watching open trades, consider trading longer-term setups or using limit orders.

  • If you love the action, then short-term trading might suit your temperament - but only if the thrill brings satisfaction, not stress.

💡 The Bottom Line

Risk-reward is about profit potential.
Aggravation-satisfaction is about emotional sustainability.

Siebert’s legacy teaches us that successful trading isn’t just about maximizing return - it’s about minimizing regret. A trade that fits your strategy and your sanity is far more powerful than one that only looks good on a spreadsheet.

So next time you're about to press “buy” or “sell,” ask yourself not only, “Is the reward worth the risk?” - but also:

“Is the satisfaction worth the aggravation?”

That’s how smart traders think - and how great traders survive.

🔓 Want to Trade Without the Aggravation of Funding Rules?

If you're ready to focus on high-probability setups that suit your style - without worrying about consistency penalties or unrealistic rules - check out Axi Select, the 100% free funded trader program. With real capital, no evaluation fees, and no hidden constraints, you can trade your edge with clarity and confidence.

Because trading should be challenging - but it shouldn’t be aggravating.

 

TRADE REAL FUNDS WITH AXI SELECT & GET THEIR FREE FUNDED TRADER PROGRAM

 First 100% Free Funded Trader Program
 Your $500 Broker Deposit Can Be Traded and Withdrawn
 No Registration or Monthly Fees
 Earn Up to 90% of Profits, Trade up to USD $1 Million

Looking for a Broker Powered Prop Firm?

TRY AXI SELECT 100% Free Funded Trader Program

 First 100% Free Funded Trader Program
 Unrestrictive Trading - Trade News, EAs, Hold Overnight
 Your $500 Broker Deposit Can Be Traded and Withdrawn
 No Registration or Monthly Fees
 Earn Up to 90% of Profits, Trade up to USD $1 Million

Want to advertise with us? Get in touch

All content provided by PropTraderEdge is for informational and educational purposes only and is not meant as trading advice or recommendations.
Copyright 2024 PropTrader Edge. All rights reserved
New York, NY USA