I recently completed a 35-hour life coach training course that required a significant amount of introspection and self-evaluation. During one of the self-evaluation quizzes, I learned that my top priority in life is growth. This discovery filled me with a sense of pride and reassurance that I might be on the right track. However, I must admit that I have been going through a bit of a downward slump with my overall life and daily routine.
It’s not anything major, just small things like missing meditation sessions, reading less, not doing my mantras, and “partying” a bit more. I’ve noticed cracks showing in my routine, and I’m starting to slip on the small things. My trading has also become a tad inconsistent. Nevertheless, I’m not going to freak out or worry too much about it. I have a plan to get back on track, and the most important thing is that I’m aware of it and have acknowledged it. If you feel yourself “sliding” in life, it’s important to be mindful of it, be honest about it, make note of it, and talk about it.
It’s funny that I’m writing about growth now because I sincerely feel like I’m moving backward in life at the moment. However, there’s probably no better time to write on this subject. Whenever life or the markets deal us a blow or a series of them, it’s essential to stop and remember that those perceived setbacks, challenges, or cheap shots from life are actually a part of becoming better, stronger, and smarter for future challenges. It took me way too long to learn this lesson in life, but it has led to a truly unbeatable, flexible, humble, optimistic, even-keeled mind.
When it comes to trading, I’ve learned that I need to either view the end of the day as either a win or a lesson learned. I never say I lost. If I get stopped out of a trade, I view it as an opportunity to become tougher or smarter. It gives those red marks in my P/L a gigantic silver lining and upside, which puts me in a win-win situation with life and the markets. With a win, I’m getting richer, and with a loss, I’m getting better. Either way, it’s growth.
So right now, yeah life is kicking me a bit. Growth is accepting this and surrendering to the reality of the now, the moment you are in. Not trying to sugarcoat it, or run away from it, or make excuses for it. Growth is accepting any and all responsibility for this part of your life. It’s 100% on you, always look within. No blame, no pointing fingers, no running, no excuses, no pity parties here (victim!). When we live honestly and sincerely with ourselves, we are open to true growth on all levels.
A dedication to personal development is all we really need to get back onto the pathway to a wholesome, spiritually fulfilling life. -I’m saying this to myself right now as I struggle.- Life might be dealing out those random low blows, the markets may be super volatile right now, and you find that you are getting stopped out of trades more often lately. But as long as you are learning, developing, and taking even one baby step forward in mastering your craft, you need to know this is it! You are still on the right track.
I’m even going to go one step further and say that personal growth is spiritual growth too. Boiled down, if you are developing with just understanding yourself in a deeper sense and are really dedicating a lot of hard work to uncovering truths about yourself, then you are engaging in spiritual growth too. Most religions seem to have a belief where their god or savior lives within them. So as you strengthen yourself, you strengthen your relationship with your spirituality/god.
There can be a lot of ugly work that is required though. Gotta roll up the sleeves. Rummaging through the old closet to get those skeletons out of there, right? Sometimes this takes weekend meditation retreats, sometimes this requires you to take a course at your local community college, sometimes this requires that you talk to a counselor. It takes concerted efforts and dedication of will. Positive changes don’t come without the challenge.
Whatever you need to do to unlock yourself a little bit more and realize that letting go of who you thought you were is freedom and pure growth. Diving deeper into yourself in a constructive manner, whatever your religious beliefs, is most certainly something your god or gods would smile upon. You’d without a doubt be a better and more caring, giving, and compassionate person in general. If personal growth were prioritized more in your life, do you think you’d become a better and more emotionally/mentally balanced trader? It’s crazy how everything ties together.
