In this post I quote from Discipline Equals Freedom: Field Manual, a book written by Jocko Willink, in order to describe what it really takes become successful as a trader. If this sounds good to you, please read on.
The Book:
The author, Jocko Willink, is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer known for his podcast and for promoting “extreme ownership” and discipline.
Discipline Equals Freedom: Field Manual is a guide for self-improvement through the practice of discipline. It covers strategies and tactics for overcoming weakness, procrastination, and fear. It also provides physical training exercises / workouts for all levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced) along with advice on optimizing performance through sleep and diet.
If you are looking to become more disciplined, not just in trading but in life, this book is definitely for you.
The Quote:
People look for the shortcut. The hack.
And if you come here looking for that: You won’t find it.
The shortcut is a lie. The hack doesn’t get you there.
And if you want to take the easy road, it won’t take you where you want to be: Stronger. Smarter. Faster. Healthier. Better. FREE.
To reach goals and overcome obstacles and become the best version of you possible will not happen by itself. It will not happen cutting corners, taking shortcuts, or looking for the easy way.
THERE IS NO EASY WAY.
There is only hard work, late nights, early mornings, practice, rehearsal, repetition, study, sweat, blood, toil, frustration, and discipline. DISCIPLINE.
THERE MUST BE DISCIPLINE.
Discipline: The root of all good qualities. The driver of daily execution. The core principle that overcomes laziness and lethargy and excuses. Discipline defeats the excuses that say: Not today, not now, I need a rest, I will do it tomorrow.
What’s the hack? How do you become stronger, smarter, faster, healthier? How do you become better? How do you achieve true freedom?
There is only one way.
THE WAY OF DISCIPLINE.
Applying Jocko’s Way of Discipline to Trading:
Accept the fact that there are no shortcuts or hacks to trading success. There is no “holy grail” strategy and no trading bots that will make you millions. Shortcuts might give you success here and there, but in the long-term, true success will always evade you if you keep looking for hacks.
Accept that the road to trading success is hard and that there is no easy way. It is only achieved through discipline. Take your time to find a strategy that fits your personality. Backtest the strategy. Start on a demo account for a short while, then move to real money—trading very small and only increasing size when it is warranted. Journal and review your trades. Maintain a routine. Expect setbacks, but don’t give up.
Want the big house, the great relationship, the car, or the ability to work for yourself and on your own terms? True freedom? All this can be achieved through discipline.
Finally:
The life you are looking for, the life that you desire – whether you want to achieve it through trading or something else – is on the other side of discipline.
Thanks so much for reading. I wish you all the best with your trading.
Thanks and Regards,
Trading SOS SOS
