“Motivation is crap. Because once you’re in an extreme situation, motivation goes away. Right now it’s 69 degrees outside, it’s sunny, with a little bit of wind. I’ve got a nice TV in front of me. If you were to watch a motivational video in this environment, boy, you’re going to think you’re a badass. You’re motivated now. But what happens when you get out of this nice environment? Life has to be damn near perfect for you to be motivated all the time. But if you’re driven, I guarantee you will find a way.”
More here – Outside
PS: Many will note that much of what I post does not seem to have anything directly to do with trading – only people who dont know anything about trading think that. Trading is as I have said countless times not drawing lines on charts or scouring the internet for magic tools. It is about being hard enough mentally and emotionally to keep pushing forward. You exert constant forward pressure looking for a way to achieve what you want to achieve which is why the only self help book I ever recommend is An Astronauts Guide To Life On Earth by Col Chris Hadfield. I have not read Goggin’s book but from what I know of him I dare say that it is in the same vein of constantly pushing forward. And if people want something about the meaning of life the only book you need read is Mans Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl.
Another book worth reading that dispels the motivation myth is the Values Factor by Dr. John DeMartini. Once you work out what your values are (hes not talking about rhetorical values like integrity / honesty etc but our personal values that are unique to the individual) you don’t need motivation or will power to fulfil those values.
The audible version of David’s book includes a discussion of each chapter. I think it will resonate with you Chris.
I think quotes like this have got EVERYTHING to do with trading, especially the part ” if you are driven”. Otherwise it is too easy to lose interest or quit or just fade away when things aren’t going well.