Jump to content

Welcome to the new Traders Laboratory! Please bear with us as we finish the migration over the next few days. If you find any issues, want to leave feedback, get in touch with us, or offer suggestions please post to the Support forum here.

  • Welcome Guests

    Welcome. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest which does not give you access to all the great features at Traders Laboratory such as interacting with members, access to all forums, downloading attachments, and eligibility to win free giveaways. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. Create a FREE Traders Laboratory account here.

walterw

A Clear Mind

Recommended Posts

I want to start this thread making a comment about my lately experience with complicating or simplifing things... I havent been able to introduce myself.. never took into acct there is a section to introduce yourself... made several posts etc and never did... but I am trading since 11 years now... made money... lost money... had 0 equilibrium... study study study.... started in Buenos Aires at floor, went to USA with electronic futures bla bla bla.... now the thing is, I made money during this years when I had things simple.... lost money when made things complicated.... our mind wants to cheat us telling us that if we have a more "sofisticated" aproach we will have an "edge".... well thats not true... the real edge a trader can have is "A Clear Mind" and that was what atracted me to this forum... now its true the fact that you cant go to the other extreme where you want to master the markets without any wisdom...you want to make things so simple that you get beaten by any newbie out there.... so there is some science to trading together with simplicity... The best thing I did till now has been to know something basic of almost every aproach existant out there... and try to find what is the common factor they all have.... once I detected that common factor I decided to study only that common factor from My perspective and adapt it to my style.... I like very short lived trades... no sin... makes me a nice living... its what I am comfortable with.... THE TEMPTATION is to feel with lack of satisfaction and starting again on the journey of complicating things... here is where you start losing your edge on having a clear mind.... so : be happy with your weekly performance, dont beat yourself I need more... enjoy the simplicity of what works for you... and thats it... enjoy life... cheers Walter.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hola Walter,

 

I think we all go there from time to time feeling invincible and start to look for new stuff to add in what is already successful. Even if the new method is successful, integrating it into your own arsenal takes time because your mind has to adjust to 2 methods now instead of one. If the mind is not ready, it'll get confused and start seeing wrong signals with wrong expectations and outcomes. Dangerous. It's like finding the first method again.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Hola Walter,

 

I think we all go there from time to time feeling invincible and start to look for new stuff to add in what is already successful. Even if the new method is successful, integrating it into your own arsenal takes time because your mind has to adjust to 2 methods now instead of one. If the mind is not ready, it'll get confused and start seeing wrong signals with wrong expectations and outcomes. Dangerous. It's like finding the first method again.

 

That is extremely true and I had to learn the hard way. Although applying a new simple tool or methodology can seam easy, I found out that this is not. It affected the way I process information, often coming into conflict with my core trading methodology. This lead me to take trades that I would usually pass on or step aside when I would usually place a trade. In the end, I constantly go back to my own simple method. Very good point Torero and excellent thread Walter.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Walter - this is a great thread, esp for those new to trading. I think most, if not all, traders go thru about the same 'learning process' if you will...

  • Get interested in trading, mainly b/c of the $$$$$
  • Start simple with something
  • That may or may not work, but you begin to think that if you just have one more indicator or one more setting, that could push you over the edge to profitability
  • You buy overpriced stuff, search the internet top down looking for the grail and continue to think the big money is just around the corner if you only had that one indicator
  • Then, by this time, either: 1) you give up on trading b/c 'everyone is out to get your money' or 2) you really start the learning process
  • Then it's simply a matter of developing your business plan and then working that plan with consistency

As I have shared a few times on this forum, and even posted a chart setup here: http://www.traderslaboratory.com/forums/f2/chart-set-up-1251.html that shows how simple a chart really can be. I have to say, I think some of the chart setups that were posted are very complex and for me, it is way too much in order to be nimble on my trades. Point being, that once the trader reaches the point of realizing there is no actual grail, it's a matter of time before the approach is finetuned and you start to believe in yourself and your trading plan.

 

As simple as it sounds, I think the difference between being profitable and not is proving to yourself that your trading methodology actually works. We all go into trading wanting to believe a strategy works, but until you actually prove it to yourself, you will always remain skeptical and continue looking for the next best thing.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ahhh.. someone here finally brought it out into the open. Kudos to you BrownsFan!

 

It is indeed true that until you have true confidence that your method has a tradeable edge, you will continue to search and adjust until you eventually have to scrap it all and go back to where you started.

 

Now I would say that over time, most traders have heard that already and went "yeah, we know that and agree" but then they cast it off and forget about it. At the risk of sounding dogmatic here, I am telling you it will keep showing up and smacking you in the face at the worst times until you accept it as fact and focus on it until you truly have a firm confidence in the method you trade. Without that, you are irretrievably lost.

 

There comes a time when you simply must call a halt to the searching, changing, tweaking and fine tuning and simply decide to become expert at your method and only tweak it once in awhile to adapt to real character changes in the market.

 

I like this thread and I must say I continue to really enjoy this forum. Keep up the wonderful postings.

 

Happy Trading ;)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

For a clear mind...just wanted to share something I started up again.

 

My life had been consumed with trading for the past year or so, and I've gotten to where things seemed simple, but weren't as simple as they had been 6 months ago. not terribly more complex...just not as easy on the eyes. Late last week I had a bit of frustration with my trading start to creep into the ol' psyche and was asked a question by both MrPaul and my girl. "How much time do you spend with the markets in your head?"

 

I had never really thought about it. Music is what my life is about. I used to be a recording engineer in Boston and in Nashville, wrote songs, played drums for big wig jazz names here and there and I thought...what was I doing when I had my 2 best weeks this year? I was playing drums every morning!!

 

This past weekend I didn't pull up a chart, didn't read a book, didn't do anything with the markets. I spent all the time outside, tending to my seedlings for the garden and making music again.

 

Having a clear mind can be accomplished easily by having other things in your mind besides trading. I'm looking forward to trading today, as I know it's going to be great going into it with a mind filled with music instead of a mind filled with more market stuff that will start to confuse the very system I worked hard to design.

 

Just my thoughts :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Work-life balance is definitely very important. They place great importance on it in economically successful European countries like Germany, France and Switzerland. In the US and UK we have the attitude that the more hours we work the better which is not true. A French worker produces more in a 6 hour day than a British worker produces in 9. I try to keep my working day less that 7 hours and enjoy life when I'm not working.

 

It's also important to take holidays. In Europe there's a legal minimum of one month paid holiday a year but many Europeans get 2 months. While traders don't have the luxury of paid holidays I think it's important to take 2 or 3 holidays a year to see the world and refresh your mind. I love traveling. It's one of the things that motivates me to make money.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Good points Tin. Very important to be able to step away from your business and have a life outside of trading. I actually have found that once you have a methodology in place that you consistently use, you 'study' less and less as you have convinced yourself that what you are doing works.

 

When you are desigining your business plan, that is where hours and hours can be eaten up outside of actually trading.

 

It's a big relief to be able to wake up and realize that the plan is in place, you just need to follow it. The only problem I had was figuring out what to do with all the extra free time! Since graphic design and website design has always been an interest of mine, I am going to start taking courses at the local community college in these areas. After that, might be something with cooking.

 

It's amazing what a proper trading plan and business plan can do for you and your family. It's simply a matter of getting to that point. (I know, easier said than done). For those that are serious about trading though, keep in mind that there is light at the end of the tunnel. It's just that most people will never actually get to the light.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

very nice inputs ¡¡ think we all go thru some similar process untill estability comes in... and most of us suffer the temptation of over analisis of our methods or "perfectioning" of them.... as I stated on before simplicity by itself its an "edge"... and that simplicity ironicaly must contain a sound elaborated argument to beat our oponent... on the other side you may have the correct argument with the correct dosis of simplicity BUT you dont have enough faith on it to believe it... or did not develop enough confidence on it.... what I noticed that this lack of confidence comes from the inability to "halt" the searching as ezzudit mentions and get focused just on your stuff once for ever... I believe that succesfull trading comes (after having a defenitive method) together with some boring same thing (same method) day after day after day...... like it or not this new super things we find and get so enthusiastic many times can hurt us as we get unrailed from our estable boring and normalized succesfull aproach... mmmmm nobody likes to promote the lack of research, we humans are eternal researchers, we love to find new things.... the big question should be : is your bussiness about research or about making stable dollars every day ? lets keep this discussion alive, its very constructive to me hear your experiences cheers Walter.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just wanted to post a little followup. The other day my head was extremely clouded. Many folks knew about it here and many many thanks to all of you who love to help, I really appreciate it :)

 

I've been drumming/programming music every morning lately, and while my trading hasn't drastically improved (it's slowly improving every day) my mind has seen some great advances. Also...I re-wrote my trading plan and have it sitting next to me on paper (not just saved on my computer) so I always see it and know without hesitation if my setups are being met. This has helped the clarity in my trading the most tremendously.

 

So...taking time to not think about trading has been the best thing to help my trading. Kinda weird...but it's awesome! haha

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • AMZN Amazon stock, nice buying at the 187.26 triple+ support area at https://stockconsultant.com/?AMZN
    • DELL Dell Technologies stock, good day moving higher off the 90.99 double support area, from Stocks to Watch at https://stockconsultant.com/?DELL
    • MCK Mckesson stock, nice trend and continuation breakout at https://stockconsultant.com/?MCK
    • lmfx just officially launched their own LMGX token, Im planning to grab a couple of hundred and maybe have the option to stake them. 
    • Date: 2nd April 2025.   Market on Edge: Tariff Announcement and Volatility Ahead!   The US economic and employment data continues to deteriorate with the job vacancies figures dropping to a 5-month low. In addition to this, the IMS Manufacturing PMI also fell below expectations. However, both the US Dollar and Gold declined simultaneously following the release of the two figures, an uncommon occurrence in the market. Traders expect a key factor to be today’s ‘liberation day’ where the US will impose tariffs on imports. USDJPY - Traders Await Tariff Confirmation! Traders looking to determine how the USDJPY will look today will find it difficult to determine until the US confirms its tariff plan. Today is the day when Trump previously stated he would finalize and announce his tariff plan. The administration has not yet released the policy, but investors expect it to be the most expansionary in a century. President Trump is due to speak at 20:00 GMT. On HFM's Calendar the speech is stated as "US Liberation Day Tariff Announcement". Currently, analysts are expecting Trump’s Tariff Plan to impose tariffs on the EU, chips and pharmaceuticals later today as well as reciprocal tariffs. Economists have a good idea of how these tariffs may take effect, but reciprocal tariffs are still unspecified. In addition to this, 25% tariffs on the car industry will start tomorrow. The tariffs on the foreign cars industry are a factor which will particularly impact Japan. Although, traders should note that this is what is expected and is not yet finalised. Last week, President Trump stated that he would implement retaliatory tariffs but allow exemptions for certain US trade partners. Treasury Secretary Mr Bessent and National Economic Council Director Mr Hassett suggested that the restrictions would primarily target 15 countries responsible for the bulk of the US trade deficit. However, yesterday, Trump contradicted these statements, asserting that additional duties would be imposed on any country that has implemented similar measures against US products. The day’s volatility will depend on which route the US administration takes. The harshness of the policy will influence both the Japanese Yen as well as the US Dollar.   USDJPY 5-Minute Chart   US Economic and Employment Data The JOLT Job Vacancies figure fell below expectations and is lower than the previous month’s figure. The JOLT Job Vacancies read 7.57 million whereas the average of the past 6 months is 7.78 million. The ISM Manufacturing Index also fell below the key level of 50.00 and was 5 points lower than what analysts were expecting. The data is negative for the US Dollar, particularly as the latest release applies more pressure on the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates. However, this is unlikely to happen if the trade policy ignites higher and stickier inflation. In the Bank of Japan’s Governor's latest speech, Mr Ueda said that the tariffs are likely to trigger higher inflation. USDJPY Technical Analysis Currently, the Japanese Yen Index is the worst performing of the day while the US Dollar Index is more or less unchanged. However, this is something traders will continue to monitor as the EU session starts. In the 2-hour timeframe, the USDJPY is trading at the neutral level below the 75-bar EMA and 100-bar SMA. The RSI and MACD is also at the neutral level meaning traders should be open to price movements in either direction. On the smaller timeframes, such as the 5-minute timeframe, there is a slight bias towards a bullish outcome. However, this is only likely if the latest bearish swing does not drop below the 200-Bar SMA.     The key resistant level can be seen at 150.262 and the support level at 149.115. Breakout levels are at 149.988 and 149.674. Key Takeaway Points: Job vacancies hit a five-month low, and the ISM Manufacturing PMI missed expectations, adding pressure on the Federal Reserve regarding interest rate decisions. Traders await confirmation on Trump’s tariff policy, which is expected to impact the EU, chips, pharmaceuticals, and foreign car industries. The severity of the tariffs will influence both the JPY and the USD, with traders waiting for final policy details. The Japanese Yen Index is the worst index of the day while the US Dollar Index is unchanged. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.   Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.   Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.   Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!   Click HERE to READ more Market news.   Michalis Efthymiou HFMarkets   Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.