So, before heading straight from a Forex course into the world of live trading, here are several critical tips.

1. Assume the right outlook. The Forex traders who are most successful know only too well that attitude is extremely important and that assuming an attitude to do whatever it takes to succeed is essential.

You can subscribe to all the tips sheets you want and listen to the so-called 'gurus' for hours on end but success is not going to come until you equip yourself with the knowledge which is needed, carefully put together your own personal trading strategy and then quite simply get out there and do what your instinct tells you is necessary to turn a profit.

2. Pick the right method. There are a number of different methods for predicting the future direction of the currency markets, and some very powerful software to assist with this task, and you will have to choose one method and stick to it.

You will need to learn the skills of mapping and charting and will need to devise your own system for judging exactly when to get into and out of the market. There will be peaks and troughs and you will find yourself questioning your method and being tempted to give it up in favor of another method but you will need to stick with your chosen method. Once you begin chasing one method after another as a result of a trading loss you rapidly discover that one loss turns into two and then three and so on.

3. Remain disciplined. While this naturally follows on from sticking to your chosen method it is something which you need to assume in all aspects of your life as a foreign currency trader. Having laid down your trading strategy and method you have to stick to it like glue and must not allow yourself to be knocked off course either by events or by the views of other traders.

4. Assume the right mental attitude. Foreign currency trading can be extremely stressful at times and the speed of trading and the inevitable swing between profit and loss on individual trades may and indeed usually does produce considerable mental pressure. Learning to cope with the stresses of trading life is no less important than learning the technical aspects of trading.

5. Be willing to take risks. A common mistake amongst Forex traders is the fear of taking a risk. Risk and reward go hand in glove and you will never be successful if you are always turning away from taking risks. Taking a risk does not mean throwing caution to the wind and simply diving in head first, but it means that, having worked out the risks involved, you are prepared to push forward and trade aggressively based upon your knowledge and reading of the market and in spite of the risks involved.

6. Take your own trading decisions. It is very important that you focus your attention when it comes to your own trading and not to be knoecked off your course by the thoughts and opinions of other traders. You will be working alongside individuals who are only too willing to give you the benefit of their advice but you need to remember that most of them will do nothing more than talk a good trade. Really successful traders are few and far between and they steer their own boat to success.

Stepping into Forex trading without the requisite training is an extremely dodgy game but, having gained the knowledge needed, your success will depend to a large degree on your ability to set a clear course and then steer to it in spite of anything which might attempt to throw you off your course.