Key Points:

1. Self-defeating behaviors often stem from the desire to change how we feel in the moment.
2. Mindfulness allows us to confront uncomfortable emotions and realities, enhancing decision-making.
3. Escapism, whether through technology or impulsive trades, detracts from effective trading.

Summary:

This session dives deep into the intersection of mindfulness and trading, with a powerful recount from Robert about his experience at a silent retreat. The retreat focused on confronting uncomfortable emotions, such as guilt and shame, which resonate deeply with the challenges traders face. Robert highlights how these emotions often hold the key to profound insights into trading and life. Sean supports this by reminding the group that mindfulness isn’t about clearing your mind but accepting and understanding your thoughts and emotions, especially the difficult ones.

Sean also discusses the dangers of detachment, whether through the overuse of technology or risky trading behaviors like zero DTEs. He emphasizes that trading requires a firm grip on reality and that mindfulness is crucial for maintaining this grip. A recurring theme is the importance of not fighting reality but accepting it, even when it’s uncomfortable. Sean shares personal anecdotes, including the powerful concept of self-sabotage, explaining that it often begins with an attempt to change our feelings, not necessarily to feel better.

“Mindfulness isn’t about feeling better; it’s about getting better at feeling.” – Sean Sawyer

This encapsulates the session’s theme that actual growth, in trading and life, often comes from facing discomfort head-on rather than avoiding it.

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

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

• Robert’s silent retreat experience highlighted the importance of confronting discomfort head-on, vital in staying present and aware during trading.

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

• Sean underlines that mindfulness isn’t about emptying the mind but accepting and understanding the thoughts that arise, providing a reassuring anchor of clarity in the storm of trading pressure.

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

• The discussion on taking profits and avoiding impulsive trades relates directly to living by your values, ensuring that your actions in the market align with long-term goals.

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

• Accepting the reality of the market, even when it’s not in your favor, was critical, as resisting this can lead to destructive behaviors.

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

• By acknowledging discomfort and using mindfulness, traders can make more informed, value-aligned decisions, turning potential losses into learning experiences.

Actionable Strategies:

• Use mindfulness to stay connected to your values, particularly during high-stress trading.
• Confront discomfort in trading, whether the fear of loss or the temptation to hold onto a wrong position rather than avoid it.
• Regularly reflect on your trading decisions to ensure they align with your long-term goals and values.
• Consider the impact of technology and instant information on your trading mindset and practice detachment when necessary.
• Focus on the trading process rather than the outcome, accepting that not every trade will be a winner, but each offers a learning opportunity.

Act Accordingly:

The session underscores that the natural edge in trading comes from within. By embracing mindfulness, traders can better navigate the market’s emotional and psychological challenges, making decisions aligned with their values and grounded in reality. Remember, it’s not about avoiding discomfort but about using it as a tool for growth. This is the key takeaway from our session.