Chapter 15
W: "the greater the expectation traders have about something happening, the less tolerance they have for disappointment."
A: Mark is affirming his - "anything can happen" belief.
A: I have expectations. I expect the market to move, to do what I want, to fill my cup.... and when it doesn't I definitely have low tolerance for disappointment. I must contantly remind myself that "ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN... EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED"
w: The distinction I want to make is that the majority of traders don't specifically relate to a fair price or value; they relate to comfort.... When I say that traders relate to comfort, I mean some degree less of fear they normally feel."
A: Mark is breaking down the fear (more or less) that makes seeing the non-emotional ticks up and down of colored candlesticks nearly impossible. Reminding us to step out of our own psychology and see the market clearly - it's ticks up and down and the market psychology behind it. But he is also reminding us to dig deep and work on getting past the fear (no feelings of comfort or fear - no feelings at all) - so that we can see the market clearly.
A: I have found that the calm I feel is not calm - but like he is saying - a degree less of fear than what I normally feel. This is something I am working on - and where I am using the fear/resentment journalling to help me. It's amazing to me how much fear pervades my life and mind. I know I can see - but sometimes I'm blinded by fear. I will continue to journal not only before trading - but even during - fears / resentments. I also find speaking them aloud - can help. Sometimes just recognizing that I feel fear helps diffuse it.