This weekend has been special. I have immersed myself in books about trading psychology from such authors as Tom Hougaard; Andrew Aziz and Mike Baehr; Steven Goldstein; Steve and Holly Burns; Mark Minervini; Anne-Marie Baiynd; Michael Lamothe; and Jared Tendler. Next weekend will be a fresh crew of authors that I'll immerse myself in and share in a post.
For me, the key to immersion is reading multiple books simultaneously, focusing on overlapping topics. When you have several experienced, insightful authors all addressing the unique emotional challenges of trading, it's like sitting in on a conversation and absorbing the unique perspectives and the areas of agreement. That immersion brings the topics to life in ways that are difficult with ordinary reading.
All this preparation for my next book has had one unexpected impact: It has absolutely renewed my interest in trading--and in being immersed in a community of dedicated and insightful traders. As the quote suggests, what we surround ourselves with is what we become. Perhaps I will be my best as a trading coach (and as a trader!) if I'm immersed in markets and the daily insights and inspirations of dedicated traders.
One lesson I've learned from these authors and experienced coaches: Success in markets requires more than changing certain behavioral tendencies or emotional patterns. We literally have to rewire ourselves to adapt to ever-changing markets and the shifting demands of risk/reward. I love the subtitle of Tom Hougaard's text: "Why normal thinking never wins the trading game". Preparing for trading in normal ways and living a normal life cannot possibly wire us for supernormal success. Making trading successful pushes us to remake ourselves.
That is a noble challenge.
Further Reading:
Focusing on the Quality of Your Reps
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