Be Your Best Self

Think about the five best decisions you've made in your life outside of markets:  the ones that make you most proud; the ones that have been most successful.  How did you make those decisions?  What information did you consider?  How did you process the information:  by thinking and analyzing, by discussing with others, by writing things down?  How long did it take you to make the decisions?  How much and what type of preparation went into the decisions?  

Draw a diagram that describes the process for your best decision making.  

That diagram captures your cognitive strengths.

How much of that cognitive process are you utilizing in your trading?

Can you expect to be successful in your trading if you're not drawing upon your greatest information processing strengths?

Now think about the five happiest, most fulfilling experiences in your life outside of markets:  the ones that have been most deeply meaningful and positive.  What were you doing in those experiences?  What made them so impactful?  How did you generate those experiences?  What actions went into those positive experiences?  Were these solo experiences, or were others part of them?  If others were involved, how did they contribute to the meaningful experiences?  

Draw a diagram that describes the process for your happiest and most fulfilling life experiences.

That diagram captures your emotional strengths.

How much of that emotional process are you utilizing in your trading?

Can you expect to be successful in your trading if you're not drawing upon your greatest emotional strengths?

So often, traders are not reaching their potential because they are not drawing upon the best of who they are: cognitively and emotionally.

It's not about talking yourself into discipline and emotional control.

It's about being the trader that is you at your best, cognitively and emotionally.

Further Reading:  Signature Strengths and Trading
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