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We can as traders schedule our time precisely around preparing for the market, follow our schedule of news gathering to be ready for the open, stay focused on the screen, and develop a trading plan and follow through with it. We can diligently prepare and use our time wisely, doing only what we have planned to do in our trading, following all our limits and stop losses. This gives us a sense of control of our trading behavior, at least to some degree. We can actively and purposely pursue trading goals with enthusiasm, energy, and courage to face the unknown. Isn't this a reasonable facsimile of what the investment world refers to as "discipline and self-control"? Becoming master of our own investment destiny, right? And it is certainly valuable for those areas where this kind of self-control can help us meet our goals. |
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But all of this is just half of the control picture. And from an Eastern perspective, it isn't even the most interesting half. The more psychologically sophisticated online investor will begin to see that he or she must, in addition to the active mode, be able to feel in control through a deep acceptance of that which can't be controlled. |
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Again, I don't mean a fighting back of our impulses through a lot of effort. And I certainly don't mean the negative form of yielding, which is defeated resignation. I'm talking about actively and even enthusiastically giving in when it is clear that the assertive mode is inappropriate or ineffective. And then feeling the sense of control that goes with it. |
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While we may not be able to influence the events of the market the way we would like, we can influence our attitude toward them. And it is here that the positive yielding mode of control has much to offer the online trader and investor. |
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The limited way trading classes and books have approached this is by saying that we should have a "positive attitude" about trading. If we are positive, we are told, we will understand that things will not always go our way but we will not be too disappointed. Being positive will help us approach each new trading day with interest and even passion. So far, so good. |
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But we are talking about more in this concept of positive yielding than just establishing and maintaining a positive attitude. Sometimes being positive is being out of touch with the immediate reality on the monitor! We are talking about controlling our own inner state despite what may appear to be outward chaos. So, the stock takes a dive; we don't like what we see on the monitornothing to be |
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