Trading options is quite a bit different than any other trading instruments. In most trading instruments you are looking for more of a instantaneous profit or loss, or in other words instant satisfaction (instant being more quickly). However, the options markets are much more about the likelihood of the move (volatility) and time.
Options decay with time going by, but that is just it. Time takes time. Traders have to wait for time to go by. This is the opposite for the premium buyer, but this person simply wants to bet on direction, and therefore is not a strategic trader (not necessarily a bad thing if it makes money). However, strategic options traders need either volatility to kick in their way, or time to go by. Both of these takes time has volatility grinds down and theta takes time. With undefined risk these factors tend to come in very quickly because you are taking more risk. However, with spreads you have to be very patient. Most spreads that have defined risk will take much longer for both volatility and time to come in because the trader of the spread is taking much less risk, so they give up the risks that come with being naked(Quiet strange minds!). Therefore, you have to be patient when trading options simply because of the factors involved.
The general rule when it comes to spreads is MANAGE YOUR WINNERS, and be very patient. However, if you trade with spreads being core positions I would say BE SLOW TO ADJUST TRADES. The trader has to give time to let an options spread work for them, and follow their exact rules. If you take the trade off at 50% of max profit then do that. If you repair the trade be slow to do so; therefore, time can work in your favor while you are waiting.
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