Maintaining optimal mental state

Good morning everyone,

I have two questions for those of you who are consistently profitable.

What is your optimal mental state when you trade? Is it confidence, caution, aggressiveness, combination of different states, etc?

How do you consistently maintain an optimal mental state despite the difficulties that you may experience on a day-to-day basis?

Thanks!

As long as you have an edge, just try to better yourself every week. Learn from your mistakes and NEVER repeat them. In the long run, its cumulative effect will be amazing.

There's nothing else to do.

You are welcome.
 
I may not fit your description, but here is what I do:

1. Avoid people I don't like 24/7. Do not disturb mode is on 24/7.

2. Remember that all bad things pass with or without me acting on them.
Sometimes I wish I could do #1... not a possibility for me :D.
I agree with #2 partially. Sometimes acting on them is appropriate depending on the circumstances.
 
As long as you have an edge, just try to better yourself every week. Learn from your mistakes and NEVER repeat them. In the long run, its cumulative effect will be amazing.

There's nothing else to do.

You are welcome.
What does bettering yourself look like to you? Continually learning from mistakes?
 
Sometimes I wish I could do #1... not a possibility for me :D.

I have two kids and an ex-wife. Everyone knows in an emergency they can reach me by calling twice.

Sometimes I wish I could do #1... not a possibility for me :D.
I agree with #2 partially. Sometimes acting on them is appropriate depending on the circumstances.

Yep, the idea is that bad things pass. I don't mean you shouldn't act on them.
 
Yep, the idea is that bad things pass. I don't mean you shouldn't act on them.
:thumbsup: Speaking like a true trader.

That is key to surviving as a trader. No one can be consistently profitable, there will be bad days, months and a few bad years here and there but you shouldn't give up as they shall pass. You will fail if you cannot get over them.
 
:thumbsup: Speaking like a true trader.

That is key to surviving as a trader. No one can be consistently profitable, there will be bad days, months and a few bad years here and there but you shouldn't give up as they shall pass. You will fail if you cannot get over them.

I noticed that you used the word "survive". I imagine that applies to rookies and not to veterans? My desire is to get past the survivability stage and on to consistent profitability without going bust.
 
What is your optimal mental state when you trade? Is it confidence, caution, aggressiveness, combination of different states, etc?

How do you consistently maintain an optimal mental state despite the difficulties that you may experience on a day-to-day basis?

My optimal mental state is being consistent in executing my trading plan/best practices, detached from the outcome of open positions - analytical & in control.
Playing strong defense is my main focus "protect your down side & the profits take care of themselves".

I maintain my optimal mental state from going out surfing, wind/kite surfing, swimming, hiking, bike riding, etc. on most days. I will pick up my guitar or a book if I can't get out. It is important to have outlets outside of trading - your life style has a direct bearing on your trading performance.
 
Last edited:
It's a problem, my state 80% of the time is can't be arsed / don't care, 15% in the zone trading well, 5% brain off half assing it and losing my ass.
 
My optimal mental state is being consistent in executing my trading plan/best practices, detached from the outcome of open positions - analytical & in control.
Playing strong defense is my main focus "protect your down side & the profits take care of themselves".

I maintain my optimal mental state from going out surfing, wind/kite surfing, swimming, hiking, bike riding, etc. on most days. I will pick up my guitar or a book if I can't get out. It is important to have outlets outside of trading - your life style has a direct bearing on your trading performance.
Wow, that's very insightful. Thanks for sharing!
 
Messy life usually leads to messy outcome. Don't clutter your mind with junk. Don't over-analyze and don't over-prepare. Come up with a simple strategy even a child could understand.

Optimized-5-41.jpg
 
Back
Top