What does success in trading truly mean? Is it solely based on monetary gains or does it encompass intangible aspects such as happiness? With the recent release of the Q1 results for the US Investing Championship, I've been receiving congratulatory messages, which has led me to ponder the definition of trading success. Can it even be quantified when there's always a possibility of a significant loss looming ahead? Do I even feel content having achieved the net worth goal I set for myself? Recently, I received a coffee invitation from a veteran broker who has continued to provide me with his personal macro analysis for the past nine years since I switched to a different brokerage. He has been instrumental in my foray into the US market, and I've witnessed his incredible financial gains as a trader. Our conversation shifted to the topic of happiness when he arrived with his grandson for our coffee meeting. During our chat, he questioned whether I have found happiness in my trading journey and shared his perspective on success in trading. While financial gain is undoubtedly crucial, it should not be the sole focus. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy mindset and finding a balance in life. As our conversation continued, I found myself in awe of his extensive experience and wisdom. Despite encountering numerous market situations, he still maintained a grounded outlook on life. His departing words, "Jeff, you need a partner to manage you. Are you not having a marriage with the market?" served as a reminder that trading success is not only defined by numbers on a balance sheet but also by sharing joy and fulfillment throughout the journey. Ultimately, success in trading, and in life, could be determined by intangible aspects such as happiness and contentment. In trading, there is no competition between traders, but instead, between one's life balance and the market. A person who excels in trading and leads a balanced life is the epitome of trading success.
My unique taste for watches went unnoticed by everyone 🙈
@jeffsuntrading Beautifully said, I could then agree more! 🙏🏽🙏🏽
@jeffsuntrading 💯! What a gem that man is - I’m so happy you have him as a mentor.
@jeffsuntrading Great post. I've found myself giving up things in life I enjoy as I dedicated most of my free time to learning how to trade last 2.5 years & not yet successful. I have found myself questioning if it's worth it as I'm financially secure for my lifestyle & feel depressed often.
@jeffsuntrading This question is a difficult one. Money will help some what, but I believe having a family is the ultimate goal. That's how God made it be. Being a successful trader, will allow you to do what you want whenever you want. But having a solid family is priceless.
Love this Jeff and it's something I'm always contious of. My trading journey is just starting and my end goal is and always will be to be self sufficient and "be my own boss" so to speak which requires money but I'm fully aware that nailing the process will make that 10 times easier. I'm really fortunate to be in a decent job with a decent boss so I get to learn in an environment that is positive for me as I'm not under any enormous pressure to succeed. Trading has also started to reap other rewards for me as well which ultimately brings a measure of happiness. I'm building meaningful connections with people I admire who have similar interests, my motivation towards other aspects of my life such as fitness, spending more quality time with family and quitting drinking are all improving day by day and I believe some of the discipline I'm trying to learn in trading is spilling over to other areas that might have lacked in the past. Keep up the good work and here's to your happiness!
@jeffsuntrading Once asked by a reporter why he wanted to climb Everest, Mallory famously replied, "Because it’s there." I trade because it's there. Don't need the money, fame, or recognition. I do it because I like winning.
@jeffsuntrading I've been pondering this myself. Thanks for sharing.
@jeffsuntrading Great post Jeff! Coffee meets bagel is a decent app for non-market partner
@jeffsuntrading Share and learn with other people is the best part of this lonely job.
@jeffsuntrading "A person who excels in trading and leads a balanced life is the epitome of trading success." golden words
@jfsrevg Both things went together. I started being finally profitable in a incredible outstanding way, since I started to get some "good life/trading"rules. i.e. No trading in family time: dinner/after-dinner nor at night (sleep well, wake up well). + other rules to defend serendipity.
@jeffsuntrading Money, Relationship and Health. Usually we balance between these three. And it's hard to get all of them. But the journey is worthy
@jeffsuntrading Very well said, and great insight. Though to balance everything though. Well done.
@jfsrevg Thanks. The whole point for me is to not need any partner or manager. And I often take breaks and go enjoy the outdoors for hours, even during the trading day, knowing that it might cost me a missed trade or two. I’m fine with this, and grateful for the life.
@jeffsuntrading Absolutely I love your write up Trading success shouldn't be only financial gain but include others thing
@jeffsuntrading What's the reason #why of trading? I always keep coming back to money. But that's ok in this context.
@jeffsuntrading dont fool yourself. trading is a game about making $$$ sure you can get better but no money = you're not going to make it
