Step 1: Stop aiming for perfection

That's right, your quick start begins by stopping. You don't need to find the "best" broker or the "best" trading system. What does that even mean, anyway? Accept that the perfect thing does not exist. And remember, nothing you decide on Day 1 is forever. You are allowed to change your mind later.

Make plans if you want to. Keep in mind these words from the great boxer and statesman Mike Tyson: “Everybody has plans until they get hit for the first time.”

Step 2: Settle on one asset class

Are you going to trade stocks? Forex? Crypto? Commodities? Options? Junk Bonds? Something else? Each market has its own characteristics and sometimes different rules. Focus on one and commit to it.

Step 3: Find a broker

Turn off your computer, put away your smartphone, and make a list of every broker you can think of. It doesn’t have to be a long list. Then research each one and see if they offer trading in the market you are interested in and available in your state/country of residence. Also - and important! - do you have enough money to satisfy any account balance requirements? From the brokers that remain on your list, just pick the one you like the most. (See: Step 1)

Step 4: Open and fund an account

This should be obvious, but some people get cold feet when it comes time to part with some money. This is the point of no return.

Step 5: Start trading!

Some experts recommend “paper trading” at the beginning. We do not agree. You need to have some skin in the game - but not too much! - if you want to learn quickly. Losing real money is the best teacher. There is a Buy button and a Sell button. Go!

Step 6: Examine your trades

Common wisdom is to keep a journal and write down why you bought and sold everything. It is certainly good advice, but if that is not your style then you should at least spend some time reflecting on what happened and why.

• What prompted you to make the trade?
• What were the market conditions like at the time?
• What kind of mood were you in?
• How did the trade turn turn out?

Be honest with yourself. If you are attributing too many of your losses to bad luck then you are surely not learning from them.

Step 7: Read a lot every day, act on little

If you want to do your own research, you first have to do your homework.

There are no shortcuts to getting good at any skill, including trading. Invest some time every day to read about the subject. It doesn’t matter that much what you read. Variety is the key. Read about tactics and strategies. Read the chatter on social media. Read about the pioneers from decades past. Videos don’t count. Put a clock on it and keep track of how many hours you have put in.

Step 8: Survive!

YOLO-ing is for idiots. The most important skill you need to acquire is learning how to survive. The fancy term for this is "risk management". Call it whatever you like. Just make sure you stay in the game long enough to learn how to succeed.