Ask Me Anything - March 2019

In the world of day trading, discipline is not just a virtue; it's the bedrock of success. As I reflect on my journey, three pivotal experiences from my past stand out, each contributing significantly to the disciplined trader I am today.

The Freedom to Choose

Growing up, I was granted a unique kind of freedom – a long leash of trust from my parents. This wasn't about leniency; it was about responsibility. I had the option to take a day off school when needed, but the onus was on me to stay on top of my academic commitments. This early taste of autonomy taught me a crucial lesson: the power of self-management. Just like in trading, where every decision to buy or sell rests on your shoulders, learning to make responsible choices early on laid the groundwork for my trading discipline.

Lessons from the Playing Field

Sports played an integral role in shaping my work ethic. Whether it was baseball or football, one principle was consistent – hustle. My father instilled in me the importance of putting in extra effort, a quality that makes a noticeable difference on and off the field. In trading, this translates to being the early bird, analyzing trends while others are still asleep. The discipline of sports taught me that success in trading, much like in sports, often comes down to who's willing to put in the most work.

Embracing the Cold to Grow

One of the most vivid memories I have is tending a greenhouse during a cold winter. Each night, we had to keep the fire going to protect the plants. I volunteered to refill the firewood in the wee hours, a task that seemed menial but was actually pivotal. It taught me about perseverance and the importance of consistent effort – qualities that are indispensable in the volatile world of trading.

As I evolved from a student to a business management major, my fascination with psychology grew. This interest, particularly in areas like industrial psychology, played a crucial role in understanding market behaviors and human motivations in trading.

Summary

The journey to becoming a disciplined trader is unique for everyone, but common threads often exist. In my case, it was the blend of responsibility, work ethic, and perseverance learned from life experiences that shaped my approach. As we delve deeper into the mechanics of trading in the following chapters, remember that the foundation of any successful trader is not just knowledge and strategy, but also the discipline honed through life's diverse experiences.