As I said when I started my online journal, my husband had to talk me into this. (Read: really, really push) The dangling carrot of an iPad convinced me to give it a try.
I didnt grow up with a bunch encouragers. For some, criticizing is so much easier than a simple "good job, or "at least you tried." Exposing weakness is not something I do often. However, Andrew kept telling me my trading wouldn't improve until I did.
And as usual, he was right.
Keeping a public journal did help me stay more disciplined. I told you I'd do something, therefore I had to do it. Or fess up when I didn't. Yes, I could lie to you, but that would be the same as lying to myself. In writing. Where's the point in that?
Getting encouragement, suggestions and music advice from fellow traders was very beneficial. Good days and days where I wanted to hide behind the couch. It is nice to interact with others who have similar experiences and goals.
Big Mike's advice has been very helpful. I've been doing two things he suggested in his last webinar. The one I said out loud was address one thing and grade myself on that. (List three to five things before taking a trade.) The one I said to myself, not even Andrew, was I have to stop, even jokingly, saying negative things about myself and trading. I didn't realize I was doing pretty well at the second until Andrew noticed me not taking a negative trade to heart.
Thanks Big Mike.
I will tell you that 30 days ago, I was more than half convinced that the most I was ever going to get out of trading was an improved relationship with my husband.
Seriously, this process is like couples activities and therapy rolled into one. Working on trading has given us a common and interesting goal. And it's forced us to improve how we communicate with each other. I can be defensive and he can be forceful. Sometimes a bad combination. I think we spat less even though we work together on learning to trade so much.
Even though 30 days of a public journal has not cured all my trading or personality ills by any means, it has helped me do a few more things consistently well. Enough encouragement that I think I have a shot at being successful someday.