Trading isn’t just about making a ton of money.  Like I mentioned in this post, it is about the experiences you are able to have as a result of the money you make through your trading skills.  So in today’s post, we are going to go through a quick exercise that will get you excited to reach your life goals so they keep you disciplined and focused on trading the very best you can.

I hope you find this energizing and puts you on the right track.  Every so often, I have to take a step back and do this exercise because I find myself getting caught up in things that don’t matter and I lose sight of what is really important.

Pick One: Ferrari or Jag E-Type

Choose one of the goals that you want to reach as a result of becoming a profitable trader.  Usually the first thing that comes to mind is a fancy car or a jet.  It’s your goal, choose whatever you want.  I don’t care if you want to become a touring ballet dancer…whatever floats your boat.

Got it?  OK, stay with me, this may get a little weird, but it works.

Now, go sit in a quiet place and only focus on that one goal.  If possible, go to your favorite outdoor spot…maybe in the mountains, or near the ocean…somewhere quiet and inspiring. If that’s not possible, then go sit on the toilet and close the door.

Yes, keep your pants on.  It’s not that kind of activity.

Just keep concentrating on that one goal.  Close your eyes and imagine yourself actually having it or doing it.  Now the important question…how does that make you feel?

I mean REALLY feel.

Is that something that you absolutely want in your life?  Think about it for at least two minutes.  After some reflection, you may be surprised at the answer.

My Goal is to Own an NBA Basketball Team

At one point, that is what I thought.  It’s not that I think it’s impossible, it’s just not truly in line with how I want to live my life.

A very cool idea, no doubt…but I can think of much better things to spend that kind of money on.

Another example is I want to have a Porsche 911 GT3.  I sat down to reflect on how I felt about that and I realized that I still want one.

Yes, it’s showy

Yes, I could be called a douche

But I love cars and it would be fun.  So that stays on the list.  But that is minor…

What Are Your BIG Whys?

One of the major reasons that I want to learn to trade successfully is so that I can surf in different parts of the world.  So far, I’ve “only” surfed in Hawaii, Mexico, Washington (State) and California.  I want to surf in places like Indonesia, Australia, Tahiti and South Africa…just to name a few.

Of course this involves a lot of travel, another thing I love.  Here is a video I took recently of a fun day surfing in Hawaii and a couple of pictures of me on my first trip to Europe (Poland and Estonia) last year.  These are two of my Biggest Whys.

 

 

 

Now it’s your turn.  What do you really want?  Pull out your goal list and see which ones should stay and which ones should go.  What can you add?

It might be being able to have time to spend with your kids or having a comfortable retirement…or a Lambo Aventador.  The only thing that matters, is that it matters to YOU.

Keep these goals in mind every time you trade or backtest and they will help you stay on track. 

If you don’t mind sharing, I would love to hear about your biggest reasons for wanting to be an all-star trader…leave a comment below.

 

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