This picture was the result of such a life changing, gunho decision. I jumped right out of the accountancy office onto my bike and cycled up the Andes.

Loved it, wanted more of it, so decided to learn and enjoy the freedom of day trading emini index futures. Typically, I tried it on my own first but soon decided to take a mentor - every other proffession demands a training program, proffessional traders have to under go rigorous instruction and controlled development so why should retail traders be any different?

Technically, day trading is easy...learning to day trade is not - definitely a case for not jumping straight in - I would absolutely recommend anyone considering any form of day trading should first find a trading mentor, learn the ropes, accelerate your learning curve and protect your initial capital.

• They have a trading system well proven over time - this is key because the market changes shape through the year and across years - for instance last year, during the global recession, volatility increased massively in the emini index futures market.
• They have a good pedigree as an educator - you will be investing time and or money so even if they have the best system in the world (nb there isn't one!) but they can't teach it too you, well the whole exercise is pointless.
• One dedicated mentor - this means you will get consistency of process and a deep interaction - they will be understand you, your style as a trader.
  
• A small group of students - obviously there is an argument for having 1-1 but that can be extremely expensive. I actually believe a small group has advantages over 1-1. Namely you have accountability to a group so you don't end up lying to yourself about your trading ability, also you get more out of it by the greater wealth of shared experiences and support.
• You watch the mentor trade live, with real money and have a view of their trading charts - this usually means they have a live on-line trading room.
• You will have a strong interaction with them, verbally, not just text questions and answers - they need to hear your thoughts while you are placing trades to identify your weaknesses and strengths - your true depth of understanding and application of their trading system and how you behave psychologically - there is a lot of strong emotions involved in trading - fear and greed being prime offenders.
• You will interact over a decent period of time, not just a day or week - because the market changes shape across time and they need to see that you can cope in all conditions. This is also important as traders typically go through these stages - instant win - over confidence - loose all their gains (often a large chunk of their initial capital too) - then either become consistently profitably or loose consistently. The mentor can guide you through those stages. Also potentially excellent traders can often give up when they are 90% of the way there - the mentor can give you that extra little push.
• You will interact regularily, the more the better, everyday is best - becoming a good trader is all about repitition of simple techniques.
• Make sure that the trading mentor's hours and system fits your own lifestyle and means - for instance if you want to trade and are only available in the mornings, check that is the primary time the mentor trades and teaches (again the market changes shape during the day). Also ensure their system works for the level of capital you have - basically if they trade a system which requires placing very large $ trades and taking profit on very small price movements, their system is no good to you if you only have small capital.
• Don't fall for promises of instant massive profits - high rewards are there for the taking but learning to day trade takes time and commitment - make sure your trading mentor gives you realistic goals.
  

I consider these the fundamental criteria.