- 1998: Volume 7, No. 5 Trader's Coach

Dear Coach:

I was sent one of those trader evaluations and it asked questions I've never thought about before. I'm a very good trader and I don't see why it's anyone's business what my personal life and family history are and what they have to do with how I trade.

Personal Life

Dear Personal:

The only way you could be sent any evaluation from my office or any one else's office is if you requested it. The fact that you took the time to read through it indicates you must have had some interest in it. The answers to those questions don't have to be anyone's business but your own unless you care to have a professional look it over and evaluate it. And finally, what does your personal life have to do with trading? EVERYTHING!

Dear Coach:

Can you answer a question for me —what are the signs that I'm burning out on my trading? Lately, I've been exhausted when I get off the floor and all I want to do is sleep. What's going on?

Burning Out

Dear Burning Out:

Yup, that's the sign. First, check with a professional to see if you have something physical going on with you. It might be as simple as a lack of essential nutrients. If it's not a physical issue, then it could be a psychological issue. And if it's not that, it could be a mental issue such as not finding the passion you used to find in the business. Of course, if it's a mental issue, it's going to be an emotional and physical issue. If it's an emotional issue, its going to be a mental and physical issue. And if it's a physical issue, it's going to be an emotional and mental issue. They're all intricately related.

Dear Coach:

I am ready to get out of this business after 15 good years. Yesterday, I reached a new point in my trading when I had lost all of the control and discipline I've spent years creating. I broke every rule and I didn't care. My wife and I are separating and I don't know what to do. Can you help me?

Desperate

Dear Desperate:

You need time to regroup. The first thing is to make certain you stop trading. The second thing, is to take care of your personal problems so that you get them to the point they are taking care of themselves. Third thing, go on a vacation. Last part of that vacation is, take time to make a plan and then if you're mentally ready, follow that plan. You're getting back into trading should only be a result of your getting back your mental focus. But remember, your trading didn't leave you, just your wife did.