Zen and The Art of Trading

[dbphoenix]

However, it's also important not to lose one's sense of humor . . .

 

[martys]

Quote from dbphoenix:

However, it's also important not to lose one's sense of humor . . .

I agree... I am trying to purposely do more smiling during my trading. My wife just think I am going nut.

 

[martys]

Quote from dbphoenix:

I've been thinking about this quite a bit lately as there seem to be an unusually large number of people throwing themselves against the bars. If asked why they trade, I'm sure they'd say that they trade in order to make money. But so few of them (none?) do. So they clearly are trading for some other reason, and they're unlikely to make much progress until they determine what that reason is.

I think I am a sadist - I like it when it hurts.

 

[Flashboy]

Quote from dbphoenix:

I've been thinking about this quite a bit lately as there seem to be an unusually large number of people throwing themselves against the bars. If asked why they trade, I'm sure they'd say that they trade in order to make money. But so few of them (none?) do. So they clearly are trading for some other reason, and they're unlikely to make much progress until they determine what that reason is.

But how do you get to the level where you are trading just to make money? or should I say How are you sure you are there?

I find myself still wondering very often why I took certain trades.. I somehow talk myself into them.. and somehow justify that they are part of my system.. and after the trade is completed.. usually for a loss..you see clearly all the reasons why that particular trade was not in your system.

Also, the other end of the spectrum is occuring as well.. I take a trade that is in my system.. but when the market doesn't move my way right away.. (meaning within two 5 min. bars).. you start to convince yourself that you shouldn't be in the trade..and you bail.. of course the trade was a good one and continues in your direction..

If you do what I just described you are in a no win situation.. I do this occasionally still and I am working on improving

 

[dbphoenix]

You may be missing the point. If you were trading to make money, then you'd be making money. If you're not making money, then something else is going on.

 

[Flashboy]

Quote from dbphoenix:

You may be missing the point. If you were trading to make money, then you'd be making money. If you're not making money, then something else is going on.

So if I decide to trade for the sole purpose of making money I will start to make it?

I can see everyone's reaction to this already?? why else would you trade??? but I do understand your point..

But that statement makes it sound like its easy to do..

 

[jam41510]

There is only one art of trading and that is going with a reliable borker.......


If there is no secure source for your trading then there is no art to it.

 

[dbphoenix]

Quote from Flashboy:

So if I decide to trade for the sole purpose of making money I will start to make it?

If you're willing to do what's necessary in order to make money, yes.

I can see everyone's reaction to this already?? why else would you trade???

Maybe to prove that one is as smart as he thinks he is. Or to prove that he is in fact always right. Or that he's not the loser that his father says he is. Or that he's correct in believing that he doesn't deserve to succeed. Or that he is in fact a worthless turd who couldn't make a living hauling trash.

Many reasons.

But that statement makes it sound like its easy to do..

About as easy as complete self-awareness.

 

[MajorUrsa]

But that statement makes it sound like its easy to do..

But that is what this whole thread is about, simple sounding things that are very hard to do, until you do them.

Eg. try to stop thinking for a minute. Sounds easy, only few know how.

Ursa..

 

[Flashboy]

Quote from dbphoenix:

Or that he's correct in believing that he doesn't deserve to succeed.

Funny you mentioned this one..

Because I believe this is one belief that is buried deep inside of me..