Read on below for 12 critical resolutions that make me better at selecting trades. The list is short and sweet, and most importantly, it's something you can take action on. Note that I used to write these affirmations in the future tense, but as a reader pointed out, affirmations are best when stated in the present tense. If you mentally believe you are already doing the things you need to do, then just keep doing them and you attain a daily mentality of prosperity.

Here's my favorite affirmations to keep me mentally sharp each day in my trading:

1. I do not trade every day just because I feel as if I have to.

2. I have developed and follow a proven trading system, and realize that one bad trade does not negate the system.

3. I set profit targets, and take those profits when they are achieved. I do not change targets in an effort to create "just a little more" profit.

4. I do not let emotions sway my trade decisions.

5. I approach trading as a business. I am strategic and logical in following my trading business plan.

6. I learn something every day, no matter how small, that gives me a greater trading edge.

7. I keep a trading journal, and note when and why my analysis failed and succeeded. I review this journal weekly.

8. I do not fight the market. I capitalize on whichever direction the market is going.

9. I take small losses rather than let them become large losses. I don't have to be correct with every trade.

10. I am an expert in one area of trading, whether it be options, one certain stock, or an index. I master every detail particular to those trades.

11. I invest in my success, whether it be via a book, market data, or a trading coach.

12. I act upon what the market is doing, rather than what I think it "should" be doing.

P.S. I'd love to receive feedback from you. Please leave a comment or discuss the article by clicking on "Make a comment on this article" below.

Price Headley is the founder and chief analyst of BigTrends.com.