Some traders talk about surviving for 5, even 10 yrs
I've made my living trading real futures contracts for a half century (with 4 losing years)
The best traders are not the ones who brag about the most profits
But the ones that figured out how to keep it
That's the challenge
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I’ve been holding onto this post for a minute. With the markets closed today for Good Friday, it feels like the perfect time to share it. This is a personal a reflection on the sacrifices we make as traders and poker players along this extremely challenging journey.
Blessed Good Friday to you all 🙏
Being a trader and poker player is a relentless mental marathon and a dance with uncertainty that few truly understand. Every moment spent in these arenas is emotionally intense, oscillating between exhilarating highs and crushing lows. You're never truly settled, never entirely "up," because the next risk is always looming on the horizon.
On a deep psychological level, trading and poker demand constant vigilance, with every decision made under a cloud of uncertainty. This continuous state of mental alertness activates your brain's primal fight-or-flight response, repeatedly triggering your amygdala which is the center of anxiety and fear. Even when you've won a big pot or completed a winning trade, there's rarely true relaxation because your mind immediately begins strategizing the next move.
Decision fatigue, a lesser-known but significant psychological phenomenon, sets in as you're forced to make critical choices repeatedly and quickly. Over time, this fatigue can lead to impulsive or irrational decisions, further complicating the already intense emotional rollercoaster you're navigating.
The constant pressure of potential loss creates anticipatory anxiety. It can be a relentless loop of "what ifs" that can wear down even the toughest mental defenses. The human brain is naturally inclined toward seeking stability, yet in poker and trading, stability is fleeting. This fundamental conflict between our inherent desire for security and the inherent uncertainty of these activities explains why the anxiety never truly dissipates.
Despite these challenges, trading and poker also cultivate extraordinary strength and resilience which I talk about often on my streams. Each difficult moment shapes you into someone capable of handling immense pressure, someone who thrives in uncertainty. The emotional intensity shouldn't be viewed as a form of torture; instead, it's training, honing your instincts, sharpening your judgment, and building a powerful mental toughness that most people can only dream of.
You're learning lessons that extend far beyond the table or the market: how to manage risk, navigate setbacks gracefully, and maintain composure under stress. You're becoming a master of emotional intelligence and self-awareness. These are the type of qualities that will empower every aspect of your life.
To thrive in these intense environments, remind yourself often of your purpose and why you started this journey. Lean into mindfulness and build routines to combat decision fatigue. Prioritize mental well-being, remembering that strength doesn't mean avoiding stress, instead it means mastering how you respond to it.
Celebrate your resilience. Celebrate the courage it takes to show up every day, to face uncertainty head-on, and to persevere through anxiety and doubt.
Every time you step up to trade or sit at the poker table, you're doing something remarkable. You're embracing risk, confronting fear, and chasing greatness.
Keep pushing yourself. The emotional battles you face in your journey will fuel your victories and strengthen your confidence tomorrow and beyond.
Totally fascinated that I have connected with some REAL LEGIT arms of the mostly rotten "we-fund-you" prop industry - connected with two such legit players today. I think the current prop industry might evolve into something I could recommend. Hmmm!!!!????
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🚨🇺🇸NEW FOOTAGE SHOWS TRUMP DODGED PERFECTLY AIMED SHOT
Close-up footage reveals Thomas Crooks' shot was perfectly centered on Trump's head.
Trump’s 'head tilt' to look at a screen graphic and leaning into the microphone saved his life.
The footage was captured just seconds before the shot.
Source: @C3PMeme
4 years ago: 30-yr mortgage rate was 3% & average new home price in the US was $369k.
Today: 30-yr mortgage rate is 7% & average new home price is $525k.
Result: $31k increase in down payment (assuming 20% down) & 124% increase in monthly payment (from $1,245 to $2,794).