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Emotional Intelligence

A recent review highlighted different models and definitions of emotional intelligence. Among the features associated with emotional intelligence are:

* Ability to accurately read emotion in others and respond in empathic and appropriate ways;

* Ability to effectively assimilate emotion in thought and action for coping and problem solving;

* Ability to regulate emotion, channeling it into motivation, persistence, and effective relationships.

The traits assessed by questionnaires measuring emotional intelligence are wide ranging:

* Adaptability – Flexibility and willingness to adapt to new conditions;
* Emotional Regulation – Ability to control emotions and their expression;
* Low Impulsiveness – Ability to refrain from giving into urges;
* Self Motivation – Tendency to persist in the face of adversity;
* Social Awareness – Ability to effectively network with others;
* Stress Management – Ability to withstand pressure and perform effectively;
* Empathy – Ability to take the perspective of others;
* Optimism – Tendency to look on the bright side of life;
* Happiness – Tendency toward cheerfulness and satisfaction. (more…)

The importance of emotion in trading.

Anxious:  Am I prepared?  Can I afford to lose what I am risking?  Am I breaking my rules?  Did I drink too much caffeine?

Anger:  Have I not moved from the last trade?  Am I tired?  Is there conflict in my personal life?

Happiness:  Are psychological gains more important than monetary gain?  Am I overconfident?

Indifference:  Do I care?  Is something more important?

It is natural to feel emotion but in an appropriate and proportional way.

Anxious:

To this day, the first trade always produces a little anxiety.  That little tingle in your stomach and shallow breathing.  The same is true when I a trade I have been waiting for sets up.  Above that, I know there is something wrong.

Anger and Happiness:

I am angry after a negative outcome and happy after a positive outcome but in order to adapt more quickly I have to remove emotion from the outcome as soon as possible.  It is more important to focus on what happened and less how I feel about it. Prolonged feelings of anger or happiness causes risk blindness and impedes my learning.  Misjudging risk will prevent me from taking a trade or taking too much risk. (more…)

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