Don't Force It, Timing is Everything!

​

When employees work a 9 to 5 job there is a mindset to keep pushing to make something happen. A quota, a certain amount of money, 2000 widgets, whatever it may be for that kind of business. There is a feeling of failure if there are days that end without meeting that number.

As an American, I believe this mindset is even more prevalent if a predetermined goal isn't met regardless of circumstances given by the environment, it's somehow our fault. We didn't push hard enough. Never take "No" for an answer!!! This is based on an unrealistic belief of control over unpredictable and chaotic forces. 

This mindset can be costly. Especially, with investing and day trading. But also with fishing, hunting, double-Dutch jump roping, meeting a romantic partner, timing is everything. Waiting for the right moment to approach and engage which means there are times when you have to take the "L" for the other moments that aren't right, in order to have greater success when the timing is right. 

This was a difficult lesson for me to learn with my trading over the past two weeks. I was trying to push for something that wasn't there and it cost me money. The follow-through wasn't there. I can be stubborn, determined, I can hang in there with the best of them. But none of that matters the market which will humble even the most ambitious ego.

​"F@#$ your feelings" is a tough lesson many traders are taught by the markets. 

“I just wait until there is money lying in the corner, and all I have to do is go over there and pick it up. I do nothing in the meantime.” ; Jim Rogers

This lesson isn't just for the markets, however. As we often talk about in the trading room these lessons follow us into the rest of our lives as well. There are times when the timing just isn't right. It hurts to feel rejection and depending on someone's upbringing there can be a great deal of additional anxiety that can be involved in the feeling of not getting what you want. 

I think the most potent lesson in these situations are that wrong timing isn't a loss. It's a "not right now" not a "never".  If it is a 'never' then that is a blessing because it leaves the opportunity for something (or someone) who is for you to fill in that space. 

Timing is everything! Surrender. Take the environment as it presents itself not as you wish it was. Then when the timing is right, it's very likely you will get exactly what you want. Maybe even something better.