The statistics say that 90% of traders fail or lose money. I believe this is because humans are inherently bad at measuring risk. If we were more objective about risk we wouldn't do things such as texting & driving. This example has virtually no upside and unlimited downside potential, but we still do it. Why would anyone risk so much to gain so little. This ability to measure risk at all times is a very rare quality. But it doesn't mean it's impossible to be a profitable trader.