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with Sean Sawyer, MS

Session: #070 | Crafting a Clearer Trading Debrief

January 15, 2025

Key Points:

  1. Sean unveiled a new, streamlined trading debrief worksheet aligning with the C.L.E.A.R. mindset framework.
  2. Community members contributed feedback on refining reflective questions and connecting them to actionable insights.
  3. The discussion emphasized the value of intentional reflection and turning “baggage” from previous trading days into constructive learning opportunities.

Summary:

Sean guided the SPP community through the evolution of his revamped trading debrief worksheet, a powerful tool designed to cultivate self-awareness and empower you to make more informed trading decisions.

One of the standout moments came when a member asked, “How can we constructively use the baggage from a bad trading day?” By ‘baggage ‘, the member referred to negative emotions, biases, or unhelpful thoughts that can linger after a challenging trading day. This sparked a nuanced conversation about transforming setbacks into opportunities for growth. As Sean pointed out, “Good stuff grows out of shit. If you’re not honest or bold enough to get your hands in the dirt, you don’t grow.” Another member shared a personal story of applying lessons from a stressful Monday to achieve a highly disciplined, profitable Tuesday—demonstrating the power of reflective awareness.

The group’s collective exploration of the challenges of crafting practical debrief questions and refining the worksheet as a living document underscores the collaborative nature of our learning process.

Sean reiterated the worksheet’s purpose: to analyze the day’s performance and connect trading actions to core values, uncover patterns, and build resilience through mindful reflection. The session concluded with Sean encouraging members to use the debrief to foster clarity and self-compassion, stating,

“This isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress, one trade at a time.”

C.L.E.A.R. Mindset Connections:

Connect to the present moment and enhance your self-awareness with practical techniques.

  • Example: Members highlighted the power of deep breathing at the end of a trading session to ground themselves and detach from the market’s emotional pull.

Loosen your attachment to thoughts and emotions, and cultivate mental clarity and resilience.

  • Example: Sean and the group discussed identifying and defusing unhelpful trading biases, such as impatience or overconfidence, to avoid impulsive decisions.

Embody your core values and align them with your actions to foster authenticity and purpose.

  • Example: A member shared how sticking to their morning routine and prioritizing family values kept them disciplined and aligned with long-term goals.

Accept all the present moment offers, whether wanted or not, and find peace and strength.

  • Example: Sean reflected on accepting feelings of FOMO without acting on them, focusing instead on honoring his values over impulsive trades.

Respond with decisive, informed action, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.

  • Example: Members emphasized the importance of recognizing market trends objectively and responding with skill rather than reacting emotionally to noise or setbacks.

Actionable Strategies:

  • Use a structured worksheet or journal to document daily trading reflections and behaviors.
  • Include prompts such as: “What actions aligned with my values today?” and “How can I improve tomorrow?”
  • Practice cognitive defusion by observing unhelpful thoughts without letting them dictate actions.
  • Establish a straightforward pre- and post-market routine to bookend your trading day with intentionality.
  • Incorporate gratitude and deep breathing to conclude your daily reflection and foster a sense of closure.

Act Accordingly:

This session underscored the importance of intentionality in trading psychology. By cultivating a daily habit of reflection through a well-crafted debrief, traders can transform each trading day into a stepping stone for growth. Whether embracing discomfort, addressing misalignments, or celebrating small wins, the insights shared here highlight the immense value of slowing down to process your experiences. What you plant today in your trading practice can become the foundation for resilience and long-term success.

Sean Sawyer, MS

Psychotherapist | Performance Coach

Sean Sawyer, a psychotherapist since 2003 and full-time trader since 2017. Sean uniquely blends psychology and trading, offering insights from both worlds. His experience in psychological trauma and performance psychology helps individuals master decision-making and resilience in high-pressure situations.