Did you know that what starts as a passion for trading can quickly spiral into an unhealthy obsession? Have you ever found yourself thinking about your losses long after you left your trading desk for the day? Ruminating about your trading decisions when you’re away from the screen, neglecting your loved ones and other important aspects of your life?
In this episode the host Agnieszka Wood dives into the fine line between passion and obsession in trading. She explores how easy it is for enthusiasm to turn into compulsion, the negative effects this shift can have, and how you can recognize the warning signs before it’s too late.
She provides you with practical strategies to regain balance and maintain a healthy, productive approach to trading and introduces the powerful concept that can help you find instant relief.
Learn more about Agnieszka's signature Trading Mindset Coaching group program for traders HERE.
About Agnieszka Wood
Founder and CEO of Ahead Coach, Trading Mindset Coach
Agnieszka Wood, is a passionate and accomplished day trader with over a decade of hands-on experience in the financial markets. Coming originally from Poland but having spent most of her life abroad, notably in the Netherlands and the United States, Agnieszka brings a diverse perspective to her work. Her journey is marked by conquering challenges, a deep passion for self-development, a commitment to unlocking her full potential, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Since 2019, Agnieszka has taken on the role of Founder and CEO of Ahead Coach, a coaching platform where she conducts her transformative work as a Trading Mindset Coach. Through Ahead Coach, she offers coaching programs for traders that draw on her extensive 20+ year background in Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), life coaching and her own experience in trading. Her holistic approach is designed to empower individuals not only in their trading endeavors but also in all aspects of life.
Agnieszka's influence extends beyond her coaching practice. She is a respected speaker at various trading events, where she shares her insights and knowledge with fellow traders and enthusiasts. In the trading education industry, she is known for her expertise in mindset coaching, helping traders overcome psychological barriers and build consistency.
Passionate about guiding individuals towards tangible results, Agnieszka thrives on taking on new initiatives and projects that promote personal growth. Her multifaceted expertise, unwavering dedication, and holistic approach make her a trusted coach for those seeking transformation and success.
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✉ Contact me: launchyourlife@aheadcoach.com
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▶️ My website: https://www.aheadcoach.com/
▶️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ahead_Coach
▶️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agnieszkawoodpage/
Did you know that what starts as a passion for trading can quickly spiral into an unhealthy obsession? Have you ever found yourself thinking about your losses long after you left your trading desk for the day, ruminating about your trading decisions when you are away from the screen, neglecting your loved ones and other important aspects of your life? You are listening to The Confidence in Trading Podcasts. I am your host Agnieszkawood, a trading mindset coach and a season day trader with over a decade of experience. If you are new to my show, don't forget to subscribe so you can come back for the next episode. In this podcast, we explore the fascinating world of psychology and the human element of trading. We take a deep dive into different perspectives to inspire you and help you navigate the emotional ups and downs of trading with self-compassion and confidence. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, this podcast is your trusted companion providing support on your trading journey. Get ready to boost your confidence and unlock the secrets to mastering your mindset for success. Welcome to episode number 37, Trading Passion or Obsession. In today's episode, we will dive deep into the fine line between passion and obsession in trading. We will explore how easy it is for enthusiasm to turn into compulsion. The negative effects this shift can have and how you can recognize the warning signs before it's too late. But that's not all. If you are already feeling stuck in a cycle of compulsion, pushing harder and losing more each time, I've got some crucial insights for you too. We will discuss practical tips to stop this process and introduce the powerful concept that can help you find instant relief. So as we get started, let's briefly outline why it's so crucial to understand the difference between passion and obsession in trading. Passion is the driving force, the enthusiasm and the excitement that fuels your desire to trade and to improve your skills. It's what keeps you motivated to learn and grow, helping you stay resilient in the face of challenges. On the other hand, obsession is when that healthy passion starts to consume you. It can lead to unhealthy behaviors like constant overthinking, neglecting other important areas of your life, and making impulsive decisions driven by stress rather than strategy. And recognizing the difference between these two is vital for your overall well-being and a success as a trader. So my goal in this episode is to help you identify when your passion starts turning into an unhealthy obsession. I'll provide you with practical strategies to regain balance and maintain a healthy, productive approach to trading. My hope is that by understanding and addressing this shift, you can ensure that your trading journey remains a positive and sustainable part of your life rather than something that detracts from your overall happiness and health. Okay, so let's dive deeper and define what we mean by passion and obsession in the context of trading. Shall we? Passion is a strong enthusiasm, an excitement for trading. It's what gets you out of bed in the morning. It's what makes you love Mondays. It's the eagerness to learn, to analyze the markets and refine your strategies. Passion is what drives you to put in the necessary work and to stay committed even when the going gets tough. It's the positive force that provides you with motivation and energy, helping you push through challenges and stay focused on your goals. Passion is this influx of energy that makes you want to do things, not because you have to or you need to but because you want to. Obsession, on the other hand, is an unhealthy preoccupation with trading. It happens in your head and it goes beyond enthusiasm and it starts to take over your life. When you are obsessed, you find yourself constantly thinking about trading, even during your personal time. You know, like when you're trying to listen to your significant one during dinner, for example, and your thoughts are elsewhere and all you can think of is how are you going to make the money back. You may start neglecting other important aspects of your life, like relationships, your health, your hobbies. Obsession often leads to negative consequences such as burnout, stress, and of course poor decision-making because your mind is always on overdrive. By recognizing the differences, you can ensure that your enthusiasm for trading remains a healthy and sustainable part of your life, especially if you are thinking to make trading your long-term occupation. This awareness is the first step in maintaining a balanced approach and it prevents the negative effects of obsession and fosters long-term success and don't forget happiness in your trading journey. So let's dive into some common scenarios where passion for trading can turn into an unhealthy obsession. Picture this, you've had a great trading day, you followed your plan, but unfortunately, your trades didn't work out. But because you didn't do anything wrong, you should be feeling accomplished, right? But instead of enjoying your evening, you find yourself constantly thinking about the losses. You are replaying the trades in your head, analyzing every little detail and beating yourself up for the mistakes you made and trying to figure out how are you going to make the money back and all that while you're having dinner and trying to relax. This constant preoccupation, even outside trading hours, not being able to switch off and let your nervous system rebalance is one of the first signs that your passion might be turning into an obsession. Other common scenario is when trading starts to overshadow other important aspects of your life. For example, you might begin skipping family dinners. Okay, I can blame you for that. I can imagine that sometimes you just want to be alone. The collecting your health is however not something that you can take lightly because if you skip exercising, you are not paying attention to your diet, you abandon your hobbies used to enjoy. Your world starts to shrink and it starts revolving only around the markets in your trading activities. This neglect of personal well-being and relationships is a clear indicator that what was once a healthy passion is becoming an unhealthy obsession. Then there is the feeling of anxiety or stress when you are not trading because when you are at the screens that very normal, you are exposing yourself to stress voluntarily by participating in trading, by being a part of that environment simply because the market is going to fire off all kinds of triggers and impact your nervous system. So stress while you are trading, it's kind of normal and while you need to learn how to regulate your nervous system during trading, when you are in a state of anxiety of stress about trading while you are not at your screens, that's where everything changes. You might find it hard to enjoy weekends or holidays because you are constantly worried about missing out on market opportunities or that you will never be able to make your money back. You feel uneasy and restless and always itching to get back to your trading desk. I need to make that work. I need to figure this out. How can I make the right decision? What will work? How I can be certain that my plan will work and this anxiety and inability to disconnect can significantly affect your mental health and your overall happiness, your mood, your attitudes. The shift from passion to obsession often stems from the pursuit of profit and fear of losses. When you are passionate about trading, you are driven by the excitement of learning and improving. You are more focused on the process of it. But when this passion turns into an obsession, the focus shifts to the constant pursuit of profit and an overwhelming fear of losing money. And eventually you start to equate your self-worth with your trading results, which can lead to taking excessive risks over trading and making impulsive decisions. Alright, let's talk about how to recognize the sign that your passion for trading might be crossing the line into obsession. It's really important to catch this early because you can actually take steps to get back on track. One of the first signs is neglecting self-care and other responsibilities. You know, like skipping meals because you are glued to the screen or maybe you are not getting enough sleep because you are up late analyzing charts. Perhaps you are forgetting to attend important family events or you start neglecting your exercise routine. If trading is starting to overshadow your basic self-care and responsibilities, it's a red flag. Another sign is experiencing frequent mood swings that are based on your trading outcomes. Have you noticed that your mood is really high when you have a winning trade? But completely crashes when you have a losing one? If your emotions are on a rollercoaster tied to your trading results, it's a strong indicator that trading is becoming too consuming. Your happiness shooting hinge solidly on whether the trade goes your way or not. It's not the end of the world that you were wrong. It's not the end of the world even that you took a loss. And there is taking excessive risks or making impulsive trades. This is a big one. If you find yourself constantly chasing the market, entering trades without proper analysis or doubling down on losing positions in hopes of a turnaround, it's a sign that obsession is creeping in. Trading should be strategic and measured. It's a business. It shouldn't be impulsive and reckless. Another sign is difficulty sleeping or concentrating on other tasks. Are you laying awake at night thinking about your trades? Or maybe you're having trouble focusing at work or doing conversations because your mind is always on the market. This constant preoccupation can really affect your overall well-being and performance in other areas of life. Recognizing these signs requires some honest self-reflection and not everyone is ready for it. I realize that. But try to take a moment to really assess your trading habits and mindset. Ask yourself, am I neglecting my health and relationships? Do my mood swings have anything to do with my trading results? Am I taking unnecessary risks? Is trading affecting my sleep and my focus? Being honest with yourself is really the first step toward making positive changes. Remember that it's about finding a healthy balance where trading enhances your life rather than takes over. So we have talked about recognizing the science of obsession. Now let's get into some practical strategies to prevent your passion for trading from turning into an unhealthy obsession and what to do if you are already feeling stuck in the cycle. First off, setting clear boundaries for your trading hours and sticking to them is crucial. Decide when you are going to trade and when you are going to step away from the screen just like you would when you are getting a new job. You want to know what your working hours are, right? For example, you might trade only during specific market hours and then shut everything down afterward. This will help you maintain a balance and ensure you have time for other important aspects of your life. Next, it's really helpful to diversify your interest and activities outside of trading. So make sure you have some hobbies and some activities that you enjoy and that give you a break from the markets, from the stress, from the rush, from all the adrenaline and the emotional drama, whether it's playing a sport or reading, spending time with family or maybe picking up a new hobby and any other interest that help keep your trading in perspective. Just remember, trading for a living it doesn't mean living just for trading. Try practicing mindfulness and stress management techniques because they can really make a big difference. Some simple practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises or even just taking a walk, those can help you stay grounded and reduce stress. When you are feeling overwhelmed, these techniques can help you regain focus and clarity. Don't pretend you are a superman or a superwoman. Your body needs to relax. Your nervous system needs that. Make sure that you have those moments where you can rejuvenate so you can come back stronger the next day. Also keeping a trading journal is another powerful tool. Right now, not just your trade but also your emotions and what you do. What are your behaviors? Note how you are feeling before, during and after trades. This will not only help you slow things down. This will also help you to identify patterns and the triggers, making it easier for you to manage your nervous system, your thoughts and prevent obsessive tendencies. Know that if you are already feeling stuck in a cycle of compulsion and you feel like you cannot get away and you are too stressed because you feel like every second away from trading, even in your head, means you are not going to make it work. Here are some steps to help you reset. First, very simple, just take a short break from trading. Seriously, this can be a few days or even a week. Use this time to recharge, reflect on your trading habits without the pressure of the market. Just with a clear head, go and sit in a park, take a notebook and start writing things down. It's really amazing how much a brief pause can help reset your perspective. Looking for support is also incredibly valuable. Just consider talking to someone, whether it's a coach, a therapist, maybe another member of your trading community, because having someone to talk to and share your experiences, it can provide you with new insights and help you stay accountable to healthier trading practices. And I know that you might feel a shame for all your losses or the mistakes that you made, but remember, you are not the only one. Most traders go through the same process. Putting yourself under this high pressure of need to perform is not going to make your performance any better. And talking to someone else and getting help to get over that pressure and helping it to release it, learning how to manage it is going to be very valuable and beneficial to your trading. And lastly, reassess your trading goals and motivations. Ask yourself why you started trading in the first place and whether your current approach really aligns with your long-term wellbeing. The place where you are in right now, is this what you had in mind? Are you trading to achieve financial freedom or has it become about proving something to yourself? Or maybe to others? Sometimes it might not be even clear anymore. Why are you even putting yourself through this? So realigning your goals with your true motivations can really help you maintain a healthier balance. Remember that it's all about maintaining a balance and ensuring that trading enhances your life rather than takes over it. There are so many other ways to make money. Remember, trading is just one of the ways. And the more you stress about it, the more you push, you are in fact pushing it away from you. Alright, let's talk about something really crucial in overcoming obsession. That is self-compassion. And it might sound a bit fluffy, but trust me, it's a game changer. Because when you are obsessed with trading, it's so easy to fall into the trap of self-judgment and harsh criticism. You know how it goes, right? A trade doesn't work out and you suddenly beating yourself up, thinking, I should have known better. Or why do I keep making the same mistakes all the time? Am I stupid or something? This kind of self-talk only makes things worse, depending the cycle of obsession and stress. And instead, I want to encourage you to meet yourself where you are. Maybe you are not that successful trader yet that you have imagined to be. But it is what it is. You are here. And that image is just creating an additional pressure. So accept your current state without judgment. And that means acknowledging your struggles and your imperfections without letting them define you. Remember, you are human. And trading is a journey with ups and downs. And really successful people become successful because every time they fall, they get up, not because they never fall. So how do you practice self-compassion? Let's start with acknowledging and validating your emotions. When you feel frustrated or disappointed, instead of pushing those feelings away, just take a moment to recognize them. It's okay to feel this way. By acknowledging your emotions, you can prevent them from controlling your actions. Did you realize that? Emotions is nothing else than energy in motion. And it comes and goes. And it overflows you with all kinds of sensations. But it eventually passes. And you don't need to give it a label. You don't need to cling onto it. When you feel those emotions, just pause for a moment and focus on what is it that you are actually experiencing without the judgment. Next, celebrate small victories and progress. No matter how minor. Did you stick to your trading plan today? That's a win. Did you take a break when you felt overwhelmed? Another win. These small steps add up and help you build a positive mindset. Give yourself credit for the progress you're making, even if it seems small to you. Every little bit counts. Developing a positive self-talk routine is also a key. And if you have been listening to me for a while, you must know that I consider self-talk as one of the most important mindset skills. Because that creates our experience. Whatever we say to ourselves, the narrative, the stories we tell ourselves, that's what makes our life. So if the big part of your self-talk are negative thoughts, you can counter them with affirmations and encouraging words. So when you get yourself thinking, "I'm terrible at this." Just replace it with, "I'm learning and improving every day." Those type of shifts in mindset can make a huge difference in how you approach trading and your life in general. And of course, your attitude towards yourself. Remember, self-compassion isn't about letting yourself off the hook. It's about understanding that everyone makes mistakes and everyone has setbacks. And by treating yourself with kindness and understanding, you create a healthier, more loving relationship with yourself and more productive mindset that can help you break free from obsession and move forward with confidence. So start meeting yourself where you are. Accept your current state without judgment, acknowledge your emotions, celebrate your progress and practice positive self-talk. It's not always easy, but it's incredibly powerful in maintaining a healthy balance and in overcoming the challenges of trading. All right, it's time to wrap up today's episode. Let's do a quick recap of what we've discussed. First, we talked about the difference between passion and obsession in trading. Passion is that wonderful drive that keeps you motivated and excited, while obsession is when things start to get unhealthy and take over your life. We also looked at common scenarios where passion can turn into obsession, like constantly thinking about your trading outside of trading hours, neglecting other important aspects of your life and feeling anxious when you are not trading. Recognizing these signs is key to maintaining balance. Next, we covered some strategies to prevent and stop obsession, such as setting clear boundaries for trading hours, diversifying your interest, practicing mindfulness and keeping a trading journal. For those already feeling stuck in compulsion, taking a short break, seeking support and reassessing your trading goals can really help you reset and regain control. We also talked about the importance of self-compassion, something that will deliver you an instant relief. It's about being kind to yourself, acknowledging your emotions, celebrating small victories and developing positive self-talk. By meeting yourself where you are and accepting your current state without judgment, you can create a healthier mindset and break free from the cycle of obsession. And I really want to encourage you to take some time to reflect on your own trading habits. Are there areas where you might be crossing the line from passion to obsession? What adjustments can you make to ensure trading enhances your life, rather than consume it? Remember, trading should be a part of your life that brings fulfillment and growth, not something that takes over everything else. Maintaining balance is key to long-term success and happiness. And before we finish, I have one important announcement to make. Today we have opened enrollment for my Signature Group mindset coaching program, which starts the week of August 19th, so very soon. I designed this program specifically to help traders that are stuck to break free from the losing cycle and achieve steady gains in just 12 weeks. It's coaching sessions, hands-on personal support from me, great tools, a wonderful community and so much more. And there's only one thing that I need to tell you. I really enjoy coaching my students very closely, so I know exactly what's going on and where they are in their process, so I can help them the best. And that's why space for my programs are limited. So if this sounds good to you and you like the idea of ending your trading struggles before Thanksgiving, go to my website aheadcoach.com or click on the link in the description under this episode to learn more. Enrollment is open for just six days unless, of course, all the seeds are filled earlier, so don't wait. I would love to see you there and work together with you. And remember, every trader's journey is unique. And don't compare yourself to others. Always compare yourself to where you are at this moment. Don't compromise your life for that. I know there is a lot at stake, but it has to be worth it. From my own experience, what makes me happy is feeling the passion and doing things because I want to do them. But the moment that I start pushing too much, the passion is gone and the energy and the reward are not the same. Even if I achieve my goal, the feeling is completely different. So I want to leave you with this question. What is it worth to you to become a successful trader? Thank you so much for listening to the Confidence in Trading podcast. If you are enjoying my show, please leave a review on Apple podcast and tell me what you like about it. Thanks to you, more traders will be able to find me and together we'll make a bigger impact. So thank you for your support. And if you are new to my show, don't forget to subscribe so you can come back for the next episode. And make sure to check out some of the producers too. Thank you again for tuning in. This is Agnyska Wood from my head coach. Bye for now.
