September 16, 2025

Ep32 - Actual Results May Vary

40 minutes

Most wheel traders obsess over single trades and miss the bigger picture. In this episode, Dan Passarelli shares the mindset shift that changed his covered call and cash-secured put trading: manage in cycles, not one-offs.

Using a powerful casino/blackjack analogy, Dan reveals why even professional card counters can lose money for six months straight despite having an edge—and how "how you play" determines your actual results, not just the statistical probabilities. He then introduces the Net Zero Roll, a practical technique to transfer short-term options losses from money to time by rolling up and out, keeping the wheel moving toward profit.

Through a detailed walkthrough of a real trading scenario (a May 15th, 170 call that goes against you), you'll discover how three separate trades in one cycle can deliver the same 85-cent profit you wanted from one trade—it just takes a bit longer. Dan emphasizes this was his personal epiphany that transformed his trading and inspired his upcoming book.

Key Takeaways

Think in cycles: A cycle is one or more trades that collectively capture profit, then you "recycle" into the next one. Most cycles will be longer than one trade—this is normal and expected.

Your real commodity: It's not the option premium you collect—it's the number of trades required per cycle. Skill means keeping cycles short to compound faster.

The Net Zero Roll: Roll up and out for approximately even money to transfer a loss from money to time. Instead of locking in a $1.40 loss, you get more time (May 15th becomes May 29th) and better odds (170 strike becomes 175 strike).

Emotional relief: Stop thinking "I left money on the table" or feeling frustrated by single trade outcomes. Experienced cycle traders know it's not over—they have tools and more trades to complete the cycle profitably.

Simple bookkeeping: Track total debits and credits across the entire cycle, not individual legs. Example: 95¢ credit - 10¢ final debit = 85¢ profit over three trades.

Technical note: The Net Zero Roll (up and out) is technically called a "diagonal" spread—combining vertical (different strikes) and horizontal (different expirations) elements.

What You'll Discover

Why professional gamblers can lose for months despite having an edge (and what this teaches wheel traders)

The exact mechanics of a Net Zero Roll with a real example: May 15th 170 call → May 29th 175 call

How to change the "terms of the deal" instead of accepting losses

Why shorter-term options give you more flexibility to adjust strikes

The psychology behind cycle thinking vs. single-trade obsession

How brokerages encourage good risk management (and why they don't charge commissions on cheap option closes)

Action Steps

Mindset shift first: Stop judging success by individual trades. Start thinking: "What cycle am I in, and what's my next move to complete it profitably?"

Audit a recent wheel position: List each leg's debits and credits to see your total cycle performance, not just the single trade that bothered you.

Practice Net Zero Roll identification: Find one current position where rolling up and out for approximately even money could improve your odds.

Create a simple cycle tracker: Record the number of trades per cycle and cycle length to monitor your skill development over time.

Coming Up

Dan mentions the second key area for wheel success—rewiring your brain—will be covered in upcoming episodes. This psychological framework will span several shows as it's central to his new book.

Resources

Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options (ODD) — see link in disclosure

Learn more about Dan Passarelli and Market Taker Mentoring: MarketTaker.com

Subscribe and get video extras, trade ideas, monthly AMA access, and unusual options activity alerts: wealthbuildingpodcast.com

Disclosure: Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options (ODD) which can be found at https://www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Don't trade with money you are not prepared to lose. Anything discussed on this show is intended to be generalized information and not intended to be a recommendation to buy or sell any security. The host and guests are not familiar with listeners' specific situations. For trading information relevant to your specific needs, speak with a licensed broker or advisor.

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