The trades market is intimidating to many people. This is understandable as the trade arena is all about taking risks. There is the potential to win big, but also to lose big too. There is not only the potential to lose money, but also your self-esteem and reputation.
Tales abound of novice upshot traders who are fearless and unafraid to take trade risks. At every turn they are amassing their fortune. The stars have aligned and the Market Gods are smiling upon them. Maybe their fearlessness is due to their innocence and naiveté at the ruthless, unforgiving realities of the trades market. Although their "luck" will eventually end, while they are at the height of their good fortune, they are on top of the world, believing that they have the skills and talents of the most successful Market Gurus.
If you are a seasoned trader, it may be a motivating force to ponder the image of the youthful, fearless trader who views the world as their oyster. They have nothing to lose and make each trade effortlessly and with a confidence not yet spoiled by the realities of the market. As the saying goes, loosen up and "let down your hair". Trade undaunted by your years in the trading trenches.
What is there to fear? Your trading skills are well honed coupled with a wealth of hard earned experience. You probably have enough saved capitol to make a few carefree trades without causing too much harm. This mindset can boost your enthusiasm; especially if you feel the years you’ve spent in the trades market has left you cynical and uninspired.
Living in a Results-Oriented Society May Cause Fear of Taking Risks
Many in society are afraid to take risks? Why is that? A large part could be due to living in a results-oriented society. There is an old adage coined by Vince Lombardi and I quote: "Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing." It would be better to remember that regardless if you win or lose, it is how you play the game that will matter in the long run.
If you are a movie buff, you are probably familiar with this often-used scenario. There are two competing camps. One is the expected winner. Of course they are a "sure thing" for the victory, whether it be in love, office politics, or a playing field. These individuals (or individual) have the game point advantage, as they have more experience, money or physical prowess than their opponent.
However, there is something exhilarating about rooting for the underdog. Against all odds, the underdog rises to the challenge and defeats their adversary to the chagrin of the pompous, self-serving winners in the game of life. Everyone is happy because they received their due comeuppance.
This may be a metaphor of how many in society view themselves, as the underdogs wishing to gain the upper hand to those we feel are superior to ourselves. However, this can be analysed in a different light too. Those who are the underdogs have nothing to lose and everything to gain. They can throw caution to the wind and take risks in areas that those who have more to lose might not dare to tread. This mentality often frees up one’s creativity to search various avenues to insure a win. Areas that those who have already reached the pinnacle of success may have become too complacent to consider.
Regardless if the underdog wins or loses, the fact that they gave their opponents a "run for their money" defines the true meaning of the term "it isn't if you win or lose, but how you play the game". Through their experience, they learned what they were made of as well as gained confidence in themselves and their abilities. This is more important than the win itself (which is short-term) but will have a long lasting impact on their life in general.
This holds true in the trade arena as well. It is what is learned and experienced over time that will matter most in the long run. This is how one’s trading skills are developed and fine tuned to the point that eventually winning will occur naturally. Until that time arrives, trade in the markets with an underdog's fearless determination and drive. Trade as if you have nothing to lose, but everything to gain.