Well given you just learnt the first lesson the following point...

Well given you just learnt the first lesson the following point can help with that.

Rule 1. start small, set a smart maximum % on your trades. eg 5% of trading account, less if high risk, with a fixed maximum downside (eg 20%) on that so you could only blow maybe 1% of your account if things go against you.

Next lesson to learn will be

Rule 2. when you get a few winners and make some wins....dont get carried away - stay small , remember rule number 1. or you WILL blow your gains!

Otherwise Look at the information compiled on the STT thread. Lots in there, some repetitive, but lots of good points!