Category Archives: Trading Psychology

Screw The Box

Adaptation and Fear

This was originally going to be two separate pieces but part way through they seemed to become more and more related.They became more related because of the intertwined nature of fear and adaptation. Fear is often a failure to adapt to a given circumstance and often adaptation is forced upon through fear. What began me…

The Great Paradox of Peak Performance

Trying really hard works—and then it gets in your way Peak performance happens as a result of trying really hard, and then not trying at all. It’s a paradox. I’ve never met someone who has described a breakthrough performance as effortful or straining or tight. It’s the opposite: when people are at their best—whether it’s on…

Smart People Don’t Do Dumb Things In Seven Seconds

It’s said we judge the people around us within the first seven seconds of meeting them. I think something similar happens online. I don’t know what the scientific word is for this, but one image, video, or headline from a Twitter account can push us from 0 to 100 (real quick). This is not a…

Why Does It Feel Like Everyone Has More Money Than You?

In 2011, my parents gave me a sum of money that was both outrageous and, in the real estate terms of major cities, quite reasonable: 10 percent down on the 250-square-foot apartment I still own in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. While I was conflicted about taking it, there wasn’t much of a question about whether I’d…

Who Is At Fault?

I saw the piece below on the news.com.au website and thought it was worth snipping as a discussion piece. There is no doubt that banks are arsheloes who for several years (decades) engaged in appalling business practices. These practices were brought to light by the recent Royal Commission and apparently were a complete surprise to…

Is an Obsession with Outcomes the Most Damaging Investor Bias?

An individual decides to drive home after an evening out despite being knowingly over the legal alcohol limit; before completing their journey they are stopped by the police and charged with driving under the influence.  In a parallel universe, the same scenario occurs but with one key difference – prior to being pulled over by…

The Science of Developing Mental Toughness

Have you ever wondered what makes someone a good athlete? Or a good leader? Or a good parent? Why do some people accomplish their goals while others fail? What makes the difference? Usually we answer these questions by talking about the talent of top performers. He must be the smartest scientist in the lab. She’s faster…