- 1998: Volume 7, No. 1 Trader's Coach

Dear Coach:

Generally, I'm a very optimistic person, but lately I feel like I have a mild depression. Everything in my life is running smoothly, including my trading. Any suggestions?

Mildly Depressed

Dear Mildly Depressed:

Sounds like your energy is low. You might need a day without any planned activity. Make sure you balance your diet. I would suggest the Zone Diet, but of course, check with your doctor first. If you're still facing a mild depression, check with a homeopathic doctor or general practitioner. (The bill alone might re-energize you.) If all else fails, maybe you need someone like me to rearrange things in your head. (My bill will definitely do the trick.)

Dear Coach:

I run my trading business from home and my wife works outside of the home. When everything is going according to plan, my seven-and 12-year olds are taken care of. When not, I get to be Mr. Mom. This is not good for my trading.

Mr. Mom

Dear Mr. Mom:

Like I always say, ask the experts. In this case, they're 7 and 12. Ask your children how they can keep busy so you can do your work without interruption. It is amazing how enterprising children can be when you ask for their advice. In addition, give them simple tasks to help you. Take several breaks, give them hugs and tell them you love them. Also, give them small rewards for their cooperation. Children usually act up when they need a bit of sugar-especially the hugging kind.

Dear Coach:

This may sound like a strange problem, but it's very serious for me. Whenever I start to trade, I get very cold. My fingers get so cold that I can hardly get them to move. I have to wear several pairs of socks and still my feet are freezing. As soon as I stop trading, my body warms up and I feel okay. What's happening and what can I do about it? My doctor tells me that it's just nerves and not to worry.

Cold Feet

Dear Cold Feet:

Do you know where the expression, "he got cold feet" came from? Undoubtedly from the first trader sitting down to face another potential loss. Fear can make your capillaries constrict, causing the circulation to slow way down and your extremities to feel like ice. You need to be dealing with your fear issues. Are you following your trading rules? Do you have rules? If not, you have every reason to be afraid. (If you are, I suggest those new microwave-heated socks and mittens.)