Trading Fatigue

[The Real Moaner]

Probably one for the more "experienced" traders, but I was just wondering whether people still "enjoy" or are as "enthused" trading as much as they used to?

Not sure whether it's a lack of novelty, or the increased expectations (read pressure!) but whilst I still enjoy trading, it certainly doesn't have the same (for want of a better word) wonder that it used to.

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced similar feelings or whether it's just me!

[mark]

I possibly do not enjoy trading like I used to or it does not give me the same buzz as when first starting out but then that is the same for anything new I find. Getting in a brand new car is great but after 3 days it just becomes another car etc.... What I always try to remember is that trading has improved my quality of life so the buzz is in that aspect of it.

[1/4 of a millionaire fund]

Probably one for the more "experienced" traders, but I was just wondering whether people still "enjoy" or are as "enthused" trading as much as they used to?

Not sure whether it's a lack of novelty, or the increased expectations (read pressure!) but whilst I still enjoy trading, it certainly doesn't have the same (for want of a better word) wonder that it used to.

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced similar feelings or whether it's just me!

It's the nature of the beast RM, the simple fact is you're probably getting a lot better at what you do , getting in and out at the right times,closing when you should rather than crossing your fingers and hoping etc.

I've been doing this a while now and it's got to be the most boring job I've ever done but on the plus side it's the best paid for a few hours a day. Like most jobs the longer you do them, and the more experienced you get, the more boring the day to day stuff becomes. A lot depends on why you're trading but if you're looking to get your kicks out of trading it's likely to affect the bottom line in how much you're likely to win. For me most of my time now between races is spent of Yahoo Japan looking to buy some new guitars, I think you need to get the kicks from spending the money rather than earning it as it's a fine balance to win in the first place so sometimes you just have to accept successfully trading isn't going to be as exciting as the thrill of the chase in the early days of learning.

[The Real Moaner]

It's the nature of the beast RM, the simple fact is you're probably getting a lot better at what you do , getting in and out at the right times,closing when you should rather than crossing your fingers and hoping etc.

I've been doing this a while now and it's got to be the most boring job I've ever done but on the plus side it's the best paid for a few hours a day. Like most jobs the longer you do them, and the more experienced you get, the more boring the day to day stuff becomes. A lot depends on why you're trading but if you're looking to get your kicks out of trading it's likely to affect the bottom line in how much you're likely to win out of it.

Completely agree. I think it must just be the novelty factor. Just remember how excited I was at my first ever large wins. Now, I just smile and move on!

I think what has caused any malaise is that as you become better at something, I've started to expect things and then get so busy focusing on targets I set myself rather than enjoying. I never ever used to set any targets (in anything!) so would love to know how to get out of that mindset.

Although I still crap myself that my current methods will very quickly stop working!!!

[scratchtrader]

Brilliant question by the OP, I asked a similar question on my blog the other, about how you stay focussed don't get to over confident and big headed, essentially how do you keep your feet on the ground? Whilst continuing to bank the money?

[bazbaz]

Brilliant question by the OP, I asked a similar question on my blog the other, about how you stay focussed don't get to over confident and big headed, essentially how do you keep your feet on the ground? Whilst continuing to bank the money?

Anyone doing this long enough shouldnt really get too big headed, the inevitable spankings that you'll have taken at times during the past will make sure of that - whatever you're doing and however cautious you are, you're still only a couple of seconds away from a nasty blow out at any time and on those times when you have got over confident its far more likely to have happened. I would imagine for most people trading over a long period of time is more likely to foster an attitude of humility rather than big headedness, which I suppose in itself can be just as much of a drawback if it goes too far, because if you become too humble and fearful and, for instance, become happy with how you're coasting along without wanting to push yourself to do potentially more profitable but at the same times risky things, then you might miss out in that way. Its a balancing act I suppose.

Staying focussed is another thing though and I think ties in with what the Real Moaner was saying about trader fatigue and wheter you enjoy it as much after a while......... I think these things just come in peaks and trofs (is that how you spell it? lol), at least for me. There are some periods where I've been quite fed up with it and really haven't wanted to loook at the PC screen at all, but periods like that pass and the enthusiasm returns. Trading is a great challenge every day after all. I sometimes think of being a trader as something like being a sportsman where you really have to be up for it every time you step onto the field, only difference with trading is that its almost every day, so its easy to get burned out. I only do 4 or 5 days a week and make sure I take a good few days off once every couple of months, often taking breaks away during summer, to recharge the batteries, and I find that often that really helps. Personally I also find that if you have plans in mind for what you actually want the money for then it really does motivate you (a bit like MF said with his guitars) and is a lot better motivation than just saying I want X amount of money by such and such a time. The more you can picture whatever you want and keep it in mind the more you'll want to push for it. It will probably make you happier about trading too, I don't know if other people are the same, but with me I'm much happier and productive if I feel like Im pushing things forward towards a better vision of the future than when I'm just coasting along doing the same things. Money in itself probably isnt the best motivator, after all everyone is chasing it on here but that doesnt mean everyone is getting it. Anyway the overall point is that the enthusiasm will probably come back again, just take a break or do your best until that happens and dont go chasing it by being extra risky

[inandout]

*Troughs i think Good post Bazbaz

[1/4 of a millionaire fund]

Although I still crap myself that my current methods will very quickly stop working!!!

I think we all relate to that , RM , sometimes feels like being a kid left alone in a sweetshop but at the back of your mind the owner's gonna pop back in soon.