Commodity
Futures Trading . . . The Inner Dimension of Commodity
Futures Trading
Commodity Futures Trading there has been much written
about the mind being the key to success in trading futures
markets. However, I find it remarkable that so little
has been presented in terms of specific techniques traders
can utilize to improve clarity of mind, focus, discipline,
confidence, positivity and optimism, energy levels,
etc. These are the qualities necessary to actualize
the full potential of our trading abilities. Probably
most would agree that the degree to which these qualities
are developed will have a major impact on the trader's
performance in the markets.
As a day trader, I feel that the need for optimum mental
and physical skills is greatly accentuated. The intraday
venue demands faster reaction time, sharper acuity of
the decision making process, precise execution of trading
rules in a narrow window of opportunity. The ability
to quickly recover from a loss, take the next signal,
pull the trigger, take all signals, deal with rapid
fluctuations in the markets and equity, maintain the
discipline to exit a losing trade without hesitation,
never "freeze up," etc.
In working with traders during my trading seminars
over the years, I have found that it is almost a universal
experience that we all have to deal with these same
issues. It does not appear there is any easy way out
-- the skills don't come just by recognizing the need
for having the skills. I believe it is necessary to
work on the skills of personal development directly
as opposed to merely focusing on developing trading
strategies.
It would be useful for CTCN readers who have developed
the internal skills for successful trading to share
their knowledge and experience, as to the techniques
they have employed to refine the real tools behind the
trading process, the mind body integration of the trader.
I have practiced Transcendental Meditation
for the past twenty years. This is a very simple mental
technique practiced twice daily for twenty minutes.
During the practice, the mind settles down to a state
of great clarity and alertness, while the body gains
a very deep level of rest. Following the practice, the
mind is more clear, with the body full of energy and
less restricted by stress. I feel this is the ideal
state of mind and body from which one would want to
enter into the markets.
Personally, I cannot imagine exposing myself to some
of the crazy things that can happen intraday in the
S&P, Bonds and Swiss Franc, without this preparation.
I would highly recommend the practice to anyone looking
for an edge over the vast majority of traders who respond
in the typical panicky, stressful manner -- which some
feel is actually the main driving force behind the chaotic
nature of market movements.
I have also participated in the martial arts of Kung
Fu and Tai Chi for the past 25 years. I find them very
useful for developing the discipline, persistence, positive
energy and resilience which are so valuable for the
daytrading environment. The "warrior spirit,"
the unshakable resolve to stick with your system or
trading plan, can make all the difference in the world
when volatility picks up intraday.
Of course, there is a whole area of influence from
what we take into the mind and body which might drastically
affect trading performance as well. It is recognized
that the negative effects of drugs, alcohol, wrong foods
and environmental pollution, all severely impair our
mental and physical capacity to deal with stress and
function effectively. Someone who really wants to go
all the way with their trading, should probably consider
diet, exercise, routine, etc. Perhaps the environmental
influence is one of the least obvious and least recognized
areas which we can enhance for better trading performance.
Most daytraders and many short-term or position traders
spend much time in front of computers. There has been
an abundance of evidence on the negative effects of
electromagnetic radiation from computers, monitors,
backup power supplies, Fax machines, etc . All these
electronic devices usually surround active traders.
Have you ever noticed how sometimes you feel dull and
drowsy, or hyped up, impatient or irritable, terribly
bored and depressed with a stiff neck and creaky joints,
headache and eye strain, or any other emotional or physical
states which come up after some time sitting in front
of the screen? I've noticed a variety of these traits
myself and among many traders, who might attribute "bad
moods" or negative attitudes to some recent trading
losses. It might be worthwhile to consider the alternatives
that these negative inner experiences may be a significant
factor contributing to the losing trades.
Recently, I learned of a couple of products which are
reputed to alter the field effect of electromagnetic
radiation coming from computers and electronic devices,
to create a more "coherent" energy field.
I had setup a new much more powerful computer with a
much bigger screen, feeling "wiped out" and
"zapped" by all this hardware. I read about
some convincing scientific research on these devices
done by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Research, the Moscow Brain Research Institute, and other
research centers.
I learned that the offices of the International Monetary
Fund had the devices installed in all of their computers
and reported positive effects from their employees.
The devices are quite simple to install -- a floppy
disk installed on the hard drive and a power strip in
which to plug in electronic components. I began using
the "Quantum Byte" two weeks ago and have
been quite happy with the results. My computer screen
no longer crackles with static electricity when touched.
I no longer feel the draining, agitating and irritating
effects from my new electronic monster. The company
that developed these devices operates in my hometown.
I asked about the possibility of getting a discount
for quantity, as this might be of interest to many traders.
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