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I was curious if other traders find it worth their while to track their mood or aptitude to trade each and every day on a chart aside from in their journal postings. I've found this to be interesting in myself because I'm noticing trends in my mood that I would've previously forgotten or writen off as a trivial consquence to gaining or losing money. I've always heard that one has to be somewhat emotionless to be a great trader, but I was wondering if anyone finds it beneficial or could give any tips about analyzing temperament towards trading or if there is any consequence to doing so. Thanks
R.I.P. Joseph Bach (Itchymoku), 1987-2018.
Please visit this thread for more information.
Can you help answer these questions from other members on NexusFi?
Yes, and do it before you trade because you can actually improve your state of mind by consciously thinking positive thoughts. Athletes also do this before sporting events, it's no different.
Thanks, I was graphing it at the end of each trading day but I guess I'll take your word and also add a data point for before I start. In my journal I add various notes about my mood before and during each and every trade, but I've noticed there are other thoughts I wasn't adding about my aptitude for trading in a whole from a macro perspective.
R.I.P. Joseph Bach (Itchymoku), 1987-2018.
Please visit this thread for more information.
If my memory serves me correctly I remember there was a positive thoughts mantra type video for traders on youtube that was shared on bmt a while ago. I can't remember if you posted it or if someone else did. I bookmarked it on a different computer before I reformatted so I'll probably never find it again.
R.I.P. Joseph Bach (Itchymoku), 1987-2018.
Please visit this thread for more information.
I think there is. I use it more to get myself in the right mind frame for trading than to see how I was feeling at the time. If you have some time, I would recommend The Daily Trading Coach by Brett N. Steenbarger. It is a trading psychology book and has a ton of info on what you are talking about.
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@Itchymoku I keep track of my moods in my journal for every trade. For me it has never been about controlling my emotions when I trade....it's been about controlling, or limiting my emotions from my outside life, intruding into my trade. Life deals some serious hands sometimes and it was very tough for me to grab onto the 'focus' that I needed to trade clear. I don't know how I overcame it....I just did. When you want something bad enough you just do it....nike principal! lol
I believe the OP is trying to see patterns in his/her decision making??
I am sure journal-ling moods is beneficial - particularly if you start to see links to foods, sleep, exercise, time of day you trade etc that are impacting moods
In addition, check the article which explains how we all suffer from decision fatigue. I can't paste links, so Google "Do You Suffer From Decision Fatigue?"
Also, Dr Andrew Menaker has some brilliant material in the form of webinar recordings available on his site which you can start applying immediately to improve your self awareness and maintain optimum mood state
