push the edge to find the edge

Observers of competitive sports are fascinated for one by seemingly unattainable results. Amazing athletes make their kraft almost seem effortless when applied, and we wonder why they rarely fail.

Yet there is another aspect, an almost frightening one, that we value just the same. It is the effort needed to get to those results: the dedication, focus, and continuous pushing of individual edges to find the true edge.

We are fascinated when individuals overcome their limitations, achieve near-immortal will to push just one more time further to reach their desired goal, and continue to do so to hold records or mastery like skills to compete. It is psychology.

There is no difference in the field of market play. One competes against the best in the world without little leagues or divisions, no practice field.

A different mindset is needed, one that aches to push one's own edge to find it. Sheer dedication and desire for money are not enough to participate successfully in the markets.

Like mastery in other fields, an unwavering desire for self-discovery and a strong-willed curiosity to overcome any obstacle paired with endurance to withstand a path of never-ending barriers is necessary to come out ahead.

If you are after the commonly advertised quick buck in the comforts of your phone with little to no educational time spent as so many quick-fix online sellers promise, you will awaken in a nightmare or at least a brief period of substantial losses until you walk away.

The skill set required is only how to push a computer button, but when to press the button is as elusive as fruit and water to Tantalus.

Successful traders are typically obsessed with the markets, take little vacations, have no weekends, sleep little, and hunger like addicts for everything related to market knowledge. They are self-aware, humbled by the process they have undergone, and check their ego at the door when participating in the market. They are patient and ever-curious to expand their knowledge about market play. They are often to be found introverts with a high degree of self-esteem and confidence in the engagement of their profession.

In short, the market weeds weak hands and requests a steep learning curve with little room for stubbornness but rather a monk-like request of humility to overcome shortcomings oneself.

Only a few attempt participation at the Olympics, which is a fair comparison of market participation.

Why so many fall prey trying their luck in trading is threefold:

Greed

Social pressure

and educational misrepresentation

From the tiny percentage of success stories is one common denominator to be found.

They all push the edge to find the edge.