Mental Health and Trading

Mental health is a subject that isn't spoke enough about in the world of trading due to many different reasons. Some of those reasons are because it is not "sexy" or "attractive" to speak about. Or due to the fact speaking about the negative aspects of something doesn't improve sales or make people want to sign up for your products.

Now even though all those reasons are true, that does not mean we should skip over the fact nor will we. Simply because we want you to become a Gorilla Futures member. That would be doing a disservice to our community. Our goal here is to provide out members with the ins and outs of trading. Some of those will be unpleasant and not attractive to speak about but we believe speaking about those items rather then brushing them under the rug is the best things we can do for our members.

As of writing this I am current on day 4 of my break from trading. The reason behind this break is simple. I'm tired, my results have not been as good as they should be and I simply need to recharge so I can reach my full potential as a trader.

Trading is hard and in a world of people trying to stray away from doing the hard things, I don't need to tell you about how hard it can be. But I do need to tell you that when you need a break you better take that break.

The trading world is one of a kind, you can make and lose money in a millisecond and if your not at the top of your game someone else is going to gobble your account up and not break a sweat. This game is ruthless and hard but that's what makes it amazing. Everyday you sit down at your desk you need to be in tip top condition. Mentally, emotionally and physically, if your not feeling like you are at the top of your game then you need to take a break.

There is nothing wrong with admitting to yourself when you need a little time off. Trading is one of the most mentally demanding professions out there, if your head space isn't right then you are going to lose money.... it's that simple.

I personally like to keep a journal ( hopefully you do to) when I start to notice lots of entries talking about being tired, heads not in the game etc etc. I know it's time for a little break. Your journal should be your best friend if you use it right.

It can tell you not only how profitable you are but also what's working and what's not. In my case its telling me how to improve and that comes in the form of taking a small break. At time your small break could be a few hours or maybe a few days like mine. There is no right or wrong answer on how long your break should be.

For some traders they may feel guilty about taking time off or feel like they are doing themselves a disservice but in reality the opposite is true. At times the best way to move forward is to simply sit back and enjoy how far you've come.

In short, trading is hard, it will most likely be the hardest thing you will ever do. Sometimes for you to enter into that next level you simply need to take a break and refocus yourself. Now there a millions of different ways for you to do this but your smart and you know what you need more then I do. So I wont waste your time by telling you what you should do... you already know what needs to be done, you simple need to do it.

Trading is hard.... take that break, you've earned it.