Professional trading is like high level athletics.
Scarcity
There are not very many professional trader or high level athletes. A trading account does not make you a professional trader and a jersey does not necessarily make you a high level athlete.
Loneliness
Because most people will never be a professional trader or a high level athlete there is not many people they can talk to. But there are always more than you think.
Only matters how you finish
It does not matter how you start, the object is to be profitable or win. How you define failure will define you.
Age is not an issue
Age is not a determining factor in success. Experience and focus help. Being hungry helps. A combination is best.
Preparation
More time is spent preparing than competing.
No guarantees
When you are competing with others there are no guarantees of a positive result.
Perseverance
It takes balls to get back up after getting beat. It feels like the end of the world but it isn’t. One foot in front of the other.
Adapting
Change happens fast and if you are going to keep up you have to make changes. No one stays on top forever those that can adapt last longest.
Injuries
There are set backs. The injuries are physical and mental. The difference being the physical issues from professional trading usually stem from the mental issues.
Feedback
Feedback is crucial. Reaction to the feedback and perception of feedback are determining factors in success.
Athletics have played a crucial role in my development as a trader and a person. If you weren’t an athlete I am sure there is something else
See also 5 Common Rules of Successful Traders.
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