Why I have a Trading Coach

By David Hobart
23 November 2009

Over Over the last few months, I have been challenged with my trading. I’ve been in one of those slumps that wear you down; both financially and emotionally. I’ve been there many times before, but this one was particularly difficult.

In leading into this drawdown period, my Hedge Fund Apeiron had been receiving good press coverage and has won awards for peer ranked risk adjusted performance. As a macro manager, more and more people have been asking me what I think about the markets. On a level, my ego had built itself an identity which it was keen to defend. This is a classic form of attachment, and it has been very difficult for me to work through it on my own.

Fortunately however, I have a good trading coach. He has helped me to rise above myself, and to get back into the flow of the markets. By making some simple distinctions, I have been able to find my rhythm and let go of the identity that my ego was trying desperately to defend.

The best sportspeople in the world have coaches, top CEO’s and business executives have coaches, and great traders also have coaches. Even coaches have coaches. My coach gives me invaluable guidance on both my trading and my coaching. Having a trading coach is valuable for a number of reasons. Some of the benefits I receive from having a coach are listed below.

Objective

My coach has no hidden agendas and is completely impartial and objective regarding my situation. He has no vested interests in my performance, so therefore I know with certainty that his counsel is not biased or tainted with his own issues or interests. Being able to discuss openly with him what I am doing (both well and badly) is important for my process improvement. It enables me to get my ego self out of the way, and focus on the market and my process.

Touchstone

My coach mirrors back to me an ideal that I strive toward. Importantly, he does this without judgement, which inspires me to bring out my best. Being frequently reminded of my possibility helps me to live into it. This is particularly helpful when I am out of my flow.

Process Improvement

Having someone look at my process from a different perspective is of great value. In trading, the smallest change can sometimes make a significant improvement in results. As long as I am open and committed to continual improvement, then having a coach will accelerate my results.

Understanding

Trading can seem like a lonely endeavour at times, particularly when I am in a drawdown. People that aren’t traders often find it difficult to understand what I am going through and consequently it can be hard to discuss it with them. Having open discussions with my trading coach helps to clear my emotional blocks which provides me with greater insight and awareness about my trading.

Regardless of your level as a trader, it is well worth considering the benefits of coaching. If you would like to find out more about my coaching programs, please drop me a note or give me a call.

Until next time, I hope you enjoy your trading journey.

Market Insights

Each month, I publish my thoughts and current market exposures in the Apeiron Global Macro Fund’s monthly performance reports. These can be accessed via http://www.apeiron.com.au/reports.html .

If you would like to find out more about David Hobart’s trading coaching and mentoring programs, please email David at dhobart@traderemotions.com.au .  

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Disclaimer: The contents of www.traderemotions.com.au is general information only and in no way provides advice in a personal or general nature. David Hobart and his related entities can not be held responsible for any loss, cost or expense resulting from your activities related to the subject matter in this document and or relating to www.traderemotions.com.au

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