Trading is also highly addictive. When behavioral psychologists have compared the relative addictiveness of various reinforcement schedules, they found that intermittent reinforcement – positive and negative dispensed randomly (for example, the rat doesn’t know whether it will get pleasure or pain when it hits the bar) – is the most addictive alternative of all, more addictive than positive reinforcement only. Intermittent reinforcement describes the experience of the compulsive gambler as well as the future trader. The difference is that, just perhaps, the trader can make money.” However, as with most affective aspects of trading, its addictiveness constantly threatens ruin. Addictiveness is the reason why so many players who make fortunes leave the game broke.”
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rssAdictiveness
“Trading is also highly addictive. When behavioral psychologists have compared the relative addictiveness of various reinforcement schedules, they found that intermittent reinforcement – positive and negative dispensed randomly (for example, the rat doesn’t know whether it will get pleasure or pain when it hits the bar) – is the most addictive alternative of all, more addictive than positive reinforcement only. Intermittent reinforcement describes the experience of the compulsive gambler as well as the future trader. The difference is that, just perhaps, the trader can make money.” However, as with most affective aspects of trading, its addictiveness constantly threatens ruin. Addictiveness is the reason why so many players who make fortunes leave the game broke.”
William Eckhardt Trading Quotes
- “Don’t think about what the market’s going to do; you have absolutely no control over that. Think about what you’re going to do if it gets there. In particular, you should spend no time at all thinking about those rosy scenarios in which the market goes your way, since in those situations, there’s nothing more for you to do. Focus instead on those things you want least to happen and on what your response will be.” – William Eckhardt
- “Trading is also highly addictive. When behavioral psychologists have compared the relative addictiveness of various reinforcement schedules, they found that intermittent reinforcement – positive and negative dispensed randomly (for example, the rat doesn’t know whether it will get pleasure or pain when it hits the bar) – is the most addictive alternative of all, more addictive than positive reinforcement only. Intermittent reinforcement describes the experience of the compulsive gambler as well as the future trader. The difference is that, just perhaps, the trader can make money.” However, as with most affective aspects of trading, its addictiveness constantly threatens ruin. Addictiveness is the reason why so many players who make fortunes leave the game broke.” – William Eckhardt
- “If you’re playing for emotional satisfaction, you’re bound to lose, because what feels good is often the wrong thing to do. Richard Dennis used to say, somewhat facetiously, “If it feels good, don’t do it.” In fact, one rule we taught the Turtles was: When all the criteria are in balance, do the thing you least want to do. You have to decide early on whether you’re playing for the fun or for the success. Whether you measure it in money or in some other way, to win at trading you have to be playing for the success.” – William Eckhardt
Positive awareness trumps negative self talk
The language you use as a trader can provide either positive reinforcement through honest self awareness or negative results through demeaning self talk. In other words, when discussing your trading with others or in your journal become aware of how you view yourself. Do you see yourself as an amateur, a whipping post, a loser? Do you blame an indicator or the market or an advisor for your failures and lack of discipline? When you are with others do you brag about your winners and hide your losers? All of this talk is based on fear: fear of being wrong, fear of what others might think of you and your decisions; fear of the market; fear of being afraid. When you practice positive self awareness you create a fertile learning environment that allows you to grow and progress as a BETTER trader, not focus on BECOMING a GOOD trader (implying that you are a bad one). When I work with individuals I often hear the following: “If I would just do this I would become a good trader” or “If I had your discipline I would be a able to make money.” These statements are grounded in a sense of doubt and fear. Instead, these statements should be replaced with “I am becoming a BETTER trader because I know the market cannot hurt me” AND “I am becoming a BETTER trader the more I stick with my rules.” See the difference between the two? One is focused on the joy of progress; the other on the fear of not being good enough. Are you focused on progress or failure? Listen to yourself and you will quickly figure it out. It is EASY to get down on yourself and much HARDER to remain positive in the face of adversity.
Positive awareness trumps negative self talk
The language you use as a trader can provide either positive reinforcement through honest self awareness or negative results through demeaning self talk. In other words, when discussing your trading with others or in your journal become aware of how you view yourself. Do you see yourself as an amateur, a whipping post, a loser? Do you blame an indicator or the market or an advisor for your failures and lack of discipline? When you are with others do you brag about your winners and hide your losers? All of this talk is based on fear: fear of being wrong, fear of what others might think of you and your decisions; fear of the market; fear of being afraid. When you practice positive self awareness you create a fertile learning environment that allows you to grow and progress as a BETTER trader, not focus on BECOMING a GOOD trader (implying that you are a bad one). When I work with individuals I often hear the following: “If I would just do this I would become a good trader” or “If I had your discipline I would be a able to make money.” These statements are grounded in a sense of doubt and fear. Instead, these statements should be replaced with “I am becoming a BETTER trader because I know the market cannot hurt me” AND “I am becoming a BETTER trader the more I stick with my rules.” See the difference between the two? One is focused on the joy of progress; the other on the fear of not being good enough. Are you focused on progress or failure? Listen to yourself and you will quickly figure it out. It is EASY to get down on yourself and much HARDER to remain positive in the face of adversity.