Does stepping away from the buy button feel unproductive, even when there is no good trade to make?
In Episode 9 of Markets and Mindsets, the team respond to a question from Andrew, an experienced trader who struggles with the urge to stay occupied, chase the buzz of execution and keep placing trades.
The conversation challenges the idea that trading is the only productive part of being a trader. Using examples from golf, theatre and elite sport, the team explain why research, rehearsal, journaling and self-analysis are all part of building a process you can trust when it is time to execute.
They also explore how to redirect the need for action into smaller, constructive tasks, why improving away from the screen can strengthen future decisions, and when the most productive choice may simply be to walk away and look after your wellbeing.
In this episode:
- Why the urge to stay busy can lead traders into unnecessary decisions
- How overtrading affects experienced traders as well as beginners
- Why not placing a trade is still an active decision
- How golf practice provides a useful analogy for trading preparation
- Why research, journaling and reflection are productive trading activities
- How rehearsing away from the market can improve execution
- Why breaking a large skill into smaller components supports mastery
- How to create “little victories” when the market offers no clear opportunity
- Why you can influence your process even when you cannot influence the market
- Why exercise, rest and time away from the screen can improve performance
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction: The Overtrading Trap
01:15 – Andrew’s Question: Chasing the Buzz of Trading
02:11 – What Golf Can Teach Traders About Practice
04:14 – The Illusion of Productivity
04:52 – Why Not Trading Does Not Mean Doing Nothing
05:09 – Research, Journaling and Reflection
06:09 – Rehearsal vs Execution
07:21 – Breaking Skills Down Through Mastery-Based Learning
08:18 – Finding Little Victories During Difficult Periods
10:00 – Productive Ways to Step Away from the Trade
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Capital at risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you originally invested. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.
What is Markets and Mindsets?
Markets & Mindsets. Most trading content is about charts and setups. Markets & Mindsets is about something more important: you.
Hosted by Isar Bhattacharjee, Paul Cooper & Emma Binns: this is the podcast that flips the lens from the trade to the trader. Each week, real traders and investors join as guests, send voice notes, or call in to unpack the psychological side of the markets: the confidence, discipline, and mindset that actually separate consistent performers from everyone else.
Boredom trades. Revenge trading. FOMO. Overtrading. Sticking to a plan when everything in you wants to break it. These are the conversations most trading content skips and the ones that make the biggest difference to long-term success. No jargon. No shame. Just honest, direct conversation about the mental game of trading and investing. The hosts share practical ways to trade smarter, safer, and with a better relationship to the markets. New episodes every Monday and Wednesday.