Dictionary.com defines a rut as, well the third definition at least, “a fixed or established mode of procedure or course of life, usually dull or unpromising: to fall into a rut“. And that is exactly the definition I was looking for. Like any human being I get into ruts. Which is fine, since that is human nature, no? But I get into pretty bad ruts at work also. Meaning that I look at that time during a rut as a time when I WILL lose money and be seemingly unsuccessful as a trader. But worse than those thoughts, I bring myself down by wondering when I will get out of the rut and if this is maybe the end for me making money in the market? Basically I support that rut with an air of negativity that most definitely does not help myself in getting out of the rut and probably puts me further in the red. Which is just completely terrible.So since I know what happens when I am getting into a rut or how I feel during, I try to combat those exact feelings with the opposite in hopes to compel a complete turnaround. It just isn’t that simple though, as the mechanics do not match up with the mental feelings sometimes, and actions can still be repeated that get me into or sustain that rut. So then I start feeling completely negative about the whole situation, so much so that parameters have to be adjusted so I can work on making one good trade after another in hopes to get back into a good flow. During that time, I try to stay positive by reminding myself that negativity only invites more negativity in and its buddies loathing and decline to stay on the couch. I try not to curse myself out in my journal and write comments about quitting and job openings at Staples and such. But it is never as easy as it should be, and until what I do from 9:30 to 4:00 matches up with that mind frame, I will move more down then sideways (and up), looking for a bottom to my…rut.I am thinking that everyone goes through this at times, and approaches it in different ways to work out of it. I shared my ideas, but would like to hear more. Please respond with how you feel and what you do when a rut approaches and you are looking to bring yourself out unscathed and hopefully with some ego and money left. Because no one likes being kicked in the butt. And a knee is the last thing my knee needs, let a lone a swift one.
4 Comments on ““Rut” = Kick in the Butt, Swift Knee to the Gut”
I feel like your post hits home for me right now. I’ve been feeling a bit fatigued after the past few months of trading. I also trade equities in a prop firm and have been doing quite well. I think maybe I’m stumbling into a rut slowly (the thoughts may be part of the catalyst in conjunction with losing a few thousand bucks a day). I’m trying to counter it by reading these positive thinking books and affirmations. It’s only the second day of the month so we’ll see how the recovery goes. Good luck to you.
I feel like your post hits home for me right now. I’ve been feeling a bit fatigued after the past few months of trading. I also trade equities in a prop firm and have been doing quite well. I think maybe I’m stumbling into a rut slowly (the thoughts may be part of the catalyst in conjunction with losing a few thousand bucks a day). I’m trying to counter it by reading these positive thinking books and affirmations. It’s only the second day of the month so we’ll see how the recovery goes. Good luck to you.
He*$ I’m in a rut now! I’m glad I found your post because now I can stop kicking myself in the butt. So what do I do when I feel a rut approaching or when I’m in a rutt? Hummm I usually just start pumping myself up with a little ego talk and then I trade really small positions until I bag some winners. I also read books of successful traders and convince myself that if they can do it, so can I.
To Your Success…
He*$ I’m in a rut now! I’m glad I found your post because now I can stop kicking myself in the butt. So what do I do when I feel a rut approaching or when I’m in a rutt? Hummm I usually just start pumping myself up with a little ego talk and then I trade really small positions until I bag some winners. I also read books of successful traders and convince myself that if they can do it, so can I.
To Your Success…