Emotions are part of us as humans. We can't take it away, nor erase it from our system. But we can control it. Well, this is one factor that affects us all as traders. How well have you been able to curb your emotions while trading so that it doesn't kill you?
I developed a good understanding of the effects of emotions in trading through a process of analysis, intellectualization, introspection and detachment until I became more aware of its manifestations, its use.
Then I strarted working on ways to limit its nefarious effects. Ways such as limiting monetary exposure, having contingency plans, analyzing price, maintaining perspective, intellectualizing, emotional deconstruction, distraction, remembering the original thought process behind a decision before the stimulus occurred, actively controlling thoughts and mental imagery, changing the stimulus by changing perspective.
In general, emotions are used to exploit weaknesses and manipulate individuals. The more aware and detached observer comes to realize its use in all aspects of life, from movies and all sorts of artistic expressions to interpersonal relations, politics, marketing. Everything, everywhere is filled with it until it all seems like a great, big circus of pretence; of clowns acting out their emotions, manipulating and being manipulated.
On my best moments I can witness the external stimuli (âmanipulation attemptsâ I call them, with obvious intent!), from a spike in price to a news report to a romantic comedy, and control how it affects me.
ras72
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If I don't understand what someone is saying, it means he doesn't know what he is talking about.â A ras 72 original realization, April 2014, reading a post on the EliteTrader Internet forum. Feel free to use it. Acknowledge its author.