I've touched frequently on this subject because it's so near and dear to me. (And believe me, I know that MOST traders spend an exorbitant amount of time each day in the grips of negative experience.) Even the tiniest bit of frustration decreases my ability to trade well. So I do constant reminders, like this post, fairly regularly. Self observation has to become an ingrained habit pattern for any trader. Anxious, negative thoughts or emotions really foster the mind to hang onto biases. And once in the grips of a bias, you're cooked.
Last month I did battle with multiple frustration episodes and depressive-type negative emotional arousal (I'm not clinically depressed: not even close.) My recently increased journaling activities at set times during the day, have really helped to alleviate these conditions. While simply focusing on process, and getting lots of positive feedback from that process via my grading system, it's hard for the neurotic thoughts to blossom. It's also greatly enhanced my ability to analyze for a host of reasons beyond calming the nerves. I think increased focus and discipline is probably 70% of reason why it's helping so much.
Trading can be a profoundly positive catalyst for self-discovery and personal growth.
No comments:
Post a Comment