Think Like A Pro Golfer
Think like a Pro Golfer – There are many similarities between trading and golf psychology. As The Masters finished this week, I thought it appropriate to reflect on the thoughts of one of the games previous top players; Justin Rose. Rose has been ranked #8 in the world and has amassed career earnings of over US$30,000,000 since 2001.
Watch the following video (3 mins) and below I’ll add some trading related analogies.
JR: “…so what…let’s just run the process…” (0.41s)
The hard work has been done. Hours on the range. Hours on the practice green. On the 18th tee, leading the US Open, he’s not thinking about swing dynamics, hand position or weight transfer. The only thing he’s thinking about is executing the plan. And so it is with trading. The hard work should’ve been done before the trading commences.
JR: “…I accept golf is a game where you’re going to win some and lose some…” (0.45s)
This is not only a reflection on winning tournaments, but also of playing individual shots. They’re not all going to be perfect – and they don’t need to be. Like trading, a single trade, will neither make you or break you, and neither does every trade need to be perfect.
JR: “…if I keep doing what I’m doing, I’m going to create chances…” (0.56s)
It’s about staying in contention, not trying to hit that magical high risk shot. The only way to win a tournament is to stay in contention. Successful long term trading is the same – it’s about staying the distance without blowing one’s account or psychological fortitude.
JR: “…be in the moment and just let it go…” (1.07m)
You can’t control how other players are playing, what weather conditions are doing or whatever other factors take shape. Just hit the ball. And in trading, you cannot control the market. You know you have an edge over the longer term – all you need to do is keep placing the trades.
JR: “…I want to feel I’ve maxed out my potential…” (1.32m)
He’s done everything he possibly can to be the best. He doesn’t want to look back and think, what if…? With trading it’s being prepared as much as possible. Have I looked at my strategy from all angles? What can go wrong? What have I missed?
JR: “…that’s how I know I love it…in the quiet moments I still love it…I don’t have to impress anybody…” (2.03m)
It’s not the winning. It’s not the money. It’s the passion. It’s the passion and the challenge that brings success. Winning and money are simply by-products.
JR: “…if you haven’t got life in balance, if you’re never grateful for all the other things you have, you’re never going to be happy…” (2.32m)
Don’t obsess. There is more to life than trading. Stay grounded. Stay balanced.
JR: “…you can never put it down to, I’ll be happy when…” (2.37m)
You have all you need here and now. If you’re completely obsessed with the ‘when’ then chances are you’ll never attain it. There will always be someone better, someone smarter, someone more profitable. Run your own race.
