How to fill your "free time" as a trader:
The majority of success in trading comes from waiting and letting positions work.
So how do I fill my time with things that make me a better trader & investor, without forcing trades?
The full guide...feel free to bookmark + use:
Do Deeper Research:
> what's a stock/theme that everyone's overlooking
> find cases of unusual options, volume, or activity
> study thematic maps + changes over time
> dig into geopolitics
> study history of markets
> positioning, what's crowded vs forgotten?
Education:
Youtube channels:
> @Qullamaggie (swing trading mechanics)
> Harvard Innovation Labs (business acumen)
> Institute of Trading (retail trading)
> @Wordsofrizdom (conversations with traders)
> @tbpn (business acumen + news)
> @DumbMoneyTV (retail + social trends)
> @theallinpod (tech news + vc banter)
Substacks:
~ @agnostoxxx's (good mix of macro, ideas, thoughts)
~ @zastocks's (trading principles, lessons, research)
~ @citrini (all around, thematic deep research)
~ @market_sleuth (experience, vix + data, lessons)
~ others based on your style
X interviewers:
- @MollySOShea's interviews (ceo's, executives, top names)
- @patrick_oshag's interviews (investing + market legends)
- @amitisinvesting's interviews (ceo's, public companies, leaders)
Data dropping favs:
+ @ConnorJBates_ (data, charts, sentiment)
+ @WallStJesus (surveys, price target changes, etc)
+ @KobeissiLetter (deep analysis, news, data)
Books:
= Reminiscences of a Stock Operator (psych + cycles)
= Market Wizards (pattern recognition across styles)
= The Psychology of Money (behavior > strategy)
= Poor Charlie’s Almanack (decision making)
= The Outsiders (capital allocation)
Use "free time" to get smarter on markets, business, and how the game works.
Observing:
> use @finviz_com's (or other) screeners for top gainers/losers, most active, unusual volume, etc.
> what headlines dropped + how did those assets react?
> which names have relative strength consistently?
> what doesn't make sense?
> what's the full picture? equities, bonds, crypto, metals, derivatives...learn how it all correlates.
Producing Content:
- you don't have to be an expert, but share your ideas, thoughts, and research...the amount of alpha I get from you guys is insane.
- can be comments, posts, videos, anything
- but make sure it adds value + something new to the conversation
- you learn 1000x more/faster by teaching
Reviewing performance:
- use some of your "free time" to go back and review the past few months/years.
- what worked? what didn't? why didn't it work? what should I change?
- where did I break my rules?
- average holding period, % performance month by month, etc
- know what makes you tick. find your weaknesses. use data to understand your style
Building + Tools:
+ @perplexity_ai's Computer (best all around imo + deep financial research capabilities)
+ claude, gemini, etc are options too
Build research tools, scanning tools, indicators, journaling tools...just create something that gives you an informational or execution edge.
Physically Leave The Screen:
> go for a walk
> lift weights
> take a nap
> hang out with kids
> drive around
This isn't everything, but it's a start on how to best use your "free time" during, after, or in between trades.
The edge isn’t doing more…it’s doing less, with better information.
♥️Luc