Trading is such a strange beast—both extremely difficult and unparalleled in its simplicity.
Sometimes, we find ourselves floating in effortless flow. Other times, we’re stuck in a storm of confusion, frustration, or overconfidence.
And it’s in these oscillations—the swing between extremes—where the true difficulty lies.
On one end, we show the market less respect than it demands.
On the other, we freeze in fear or get swept away in frustration and rage.
Managing these extremes is part of the trader’s job.
Managing them well… is an art form.
Here are 3 foundational tools that have helped me:
⸻
1. Find. Your. Rhythm.
Each of us is wired differently. Our biochemistry, personality traits, and preferences are all unique—and they absolutely affect how we trade.
Some traders thrive on high-frequency scalping.
Others wait patiently for a single swing setup.
Some feel energized after 6 hours of screen time.
Others burn out after one intense hour.
If you don’t understand your personal rhythm, you’ll constantly be misaligned—not just with your strategy, but with your life.
Workaholics may get bored and start forcing trades.
Laid-back traders may overcommit and burn out fast.
Rhythm isn’t just about preference—it’s about sustainability.
⸻
2. Practice Tolerating Discomfort.
Trading is uncomfortable.
Let’s be real—90% of it ranges from mildly uneasy to outright agonizing.
Practicing discomfort outside of trading has made a huge difference for me:
Cold plunges.
Sadhu boards.
Early morning wake-ups.
Cardio.
Even practicing restraint during family arguments.
These things teach you to sit with that gnawing feeling and not act impulsively.
They train your nervous system to stay stable under pressure.
Trading may not get “easier,” but your capacity for difficulty increases—so it starts to feel easier.
⸻
3. Plan Is Everything.
Trading becomes way simpler when you just show up to execute a plan.
If your plan says there are no trades today—then walk away.
If your plan says take two trades—then take them.
Win or lose, outsource the result to the plan, not to your self-worth.
Then, at the end of a set period (ideally written into the plan), review your execution.
Were you compliant?
What can be adjusted?
A good plan + rhythm alignment + discomfort tolerance = consistency.
⸻
Trading is obviously more complex than three bullet points can capture—but the foundation you can build from these is immense.
Thanks for reading.
Happy trading.
—Lightwork_
Sometimes, we find ourselves floating in effortless flow. Other times, we’re stuck in a storm of confusion, frustration, or overconfidence.
And it’s in these oscillations—the swing between extremes—where the true difficulty lies.
On one end, we show the market less respect than it demands.
On the other, we freeze in fear or get swept away in frustration and rage.
Managing these extremes is part of the trader’s job.
Managing them well… is an art form.
Here are 3 foundational tools that have helped me:
⸻
1. Find. Your. Rhythm.
Each of us is wired differently. Our biochemistry, personality traits, and preferences are all unique—and they absolutely affect how we trade.
Some traders thrive on high-frequency scalping.
Others wait patiently for a single swing setup.
Some feel energized after 6 hours of screen time.
Others burn out after one intense hour.
If you don’t understand your personal rhythm, you’ll constantly be misaligned—not just with your strategy, but with your life.
Workaholics may get bored and start forcing trades.
Laid-back traders may overcommit and burn out fast.
Rhythm isn’t just about preference—it’s about sustainability.
⸻
2. Practice Tolerating Discomfort.
Trading is uncomfortable.
Let’s be real—90% of it ranges from mildly uneasy to outright agonizing.
Practicing discomfort outside of trading has made a huge difference for me:
Cold plunges.
Sadhu boards.
Early morning wake-ups.
Cardio.
Even practicing restraint during family arguments.
These things teach you to sit with that gnawing feeling and not act impulsively.
They train your nervous system to stay stable under pressure.
Trading may not get “easier,” but your capacity for difficulty increases—so it starts to feel easier.
⸻
3. Plan Is Everything.
Trading becomes way simpler when you just show up to execute a plan.
If your plan says there are no trades today—then walk away.
If your plan says take two trades—then take them.
Win or lose, outsource the result to the plan, not to your self-worth.
Then, at the end of a set period (ideally written into the plan), review your execution.
Were you compliant?
What can be adjusted?
A good plan + rhythm alignment + discomfort tolerance = consistency.
⸻
Trading is obviously more complex than three bullet points can capture—but the foundation you can build from these is immense.
Thanks for reading.
Happy trading.
—Lightwork_
Lightwork Trading
Disclaimer
The information and publications are not meant to be, and do not constitute, financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice or recommendations supplied or endorsed by TradingView. Read more in the Terms of Use.
Lightwork Trading
Disclaimer
The information and publications are not meant to be, and do not constitute, financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice or recommendations supplied or endorsed by TradingView. Read more in the Terms of Use.