Do you happen to know someone that’s a really happy, positive influence in your life?
One of those friends that never has anything negative to say. They love spreading positivity and encouragement. No matter what you try to complain about, it’s always met with a smile and a comment like, “Well, it could definitely be worse. Look at it this way (insert positive spin with a giant smile)!” Perhaps you don’t see them daily, or even weekly, but regardless of when you finally find some time to catch up, it always brings a jolt of happiness into your day.
Well I have one of those, and she gives some great advice that I want to share…
This friend of mine happens to be named Emily, and as we get into the holiday season, (when things are especially crazy) I wanted to share some positive words of encouragement from someone other than myself.
She’s always that friend to jump in with something to say to lift you up — when you really need it.
My friend Emily — always the best influence, wanting me to join her on the hustle!
I remember at one point I was pretty down because I was having a really hard time managing being a mom, working, and actually taking care of myself (Gym?! When exactly?!).
She wanted me to work out with her and as much as I wanted to, it was just not going to happen.
And so I told her…
“I’m sorry, I literally cannot fit it into my schedule. It’s not possible. You’re amazing, you’re a great friend, and I’d love to spend time with you — and actually do something healthy, but it’s just not going to happen.”
You know what she said?
Of course, with a smile on her face, she told me:
“Well you know, there’s a season for everything. Right now, it’s your season to focus on your trading and your son. There’ll be another season, when you can step back and take some more time for yourself, it’s just not right now.”
Emily and I at a Kenny Chesney concert meeting a Kenny lookalike.
It was that moment of encouragement and acceptance that really stuck with me, and on top of that, it made me feel a million times better about not being able to be everything to everyone — and get everything done that I wanted.
What I’d instead decided to prioritize, I thought, was being fine with not being everything all the time — but identifying seasons in which I’d hone in on my focus, and be a little more lax when it just wasn’t the season.
Just like most everything in life, I find there are usually some pretty decent trading metaphors here.
I find that the end of the year always brings about a common reflection amongst traders. It’s always around December that I start getting a ton of emails from members that always go something like this:
“Hey Danielle, my results this year have been alright, but I know I could do better. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. I’m trying all these different strategies and setups, but I can’t focus. What should I do?”
Hey D! I’m having a really rough time. I have good moments, and then bad — but I can’t get it together and I don’t know why. I’m still not making money and I don’t know where to focus. I’m starting to think I should quit.”
“Hey Danielle! How long did it take you to be profitable? I’ve been doing this for (insert amount of years here) and I’m still breaking even. How do I get out of this cycle?”
Most of this all comes down to having an edge. It also goes back to my story about Emily — that there’s a season for everything.
The end of the year is one of the best times to sit back and reflect — and give yourself that time to slow down and look at what worked this year — and more importantly, what didn’t work.
It’s a little bit slower. Hopefully, you have some time off and can really get a plan together for next year. The most important part of the plan for next year ALWAYS starts with what went wrong, and right, in 2019.
Because with trading, it’s all about doing more of what works — and less of what doesn’t.
There’s a season for everything. For me, it’s still not the season where I can spend a couple hours a day at the gym — but that’s okay, because I’m focusing on nailing my trades – and sharpening my trading plan for 2020. And, at some point, there’ll be a season for something else… and that’s okay.
I talked about the importance of starting the year off right, and prepping for the season in my free webinar on Thursday. You can check out the replay here.
Beyond that, I hope you have an amazing weekend and I’ll be back at it next week! I’m hoping for a continued Santa Rally, but we’ll have to read the price action and see where this crazy rally takes us!
Danielle, you are one of the ones that is important in my life and for that reason I am not going to agree with you.
NOT GOING TO AGREE.
Balance, and your health is the priority.
Balance, and your health for your son.
Balance, and health for everything else after that. Including your support.
I go to the Gym everyday. And John’s book comes with me. I read it first and work out second.
Not at the same time and I don’t forsake one for the other.
Your health is first, your health is first.
Thank you the you, John and everyone @ Simpler.
Merry Christmas
Alan