Concentration

Focused concentration is a fundamental element of a proper mental edge. Dr. Ari Kiev (2002) observes, "concentration links discipline, desire, motivation, and satisfaction to achievement." In today’s busy world, however, concentration is often a lost art. Multi-tasking is the norm. We hold meetings over cell phones as we drive to work. We search the Internet while we watch the evening news. It’s hard not to believe that we must absorb as much data as possible until we are on the verge of information overload. But the human mind has limits. Although it is possible to engage in multiple well learned tasks simultaneously, when it comes to important tasks, it is better to devote your full attention to your immediate experience.

Do you find it difficult to concentrate? Perhaps it’s a reflection of your personality. While in school did you have trouble studying in a crowded library or on noisy bus? Are you easily frustrated? Are you constantly on edge and fighting to keep your mind on the task at hand? It's easy to concentrate when we are in a quiet room and when we are calm and at ease. But how well do you concentrate under stress? What if you are trying to meet deadlines? How well do you do then? It's easy to become shaken and lose your ability to concentrate. When you aren't fully focused on your ongoing experience, however, it's easy for self-doubts to creep into your consciousness. You may start having second thoughts and may want to sabotage your trading efforts.

Rather than allow yourself to get distracted, it's vital to focus on the moment. Focus on the process of trading in the here-and-now. Don’t mull over past mistakes or worry about what may go wrong in the future.

The more you can stay focused on your ongoing experience, the greater your mental edge. But how can you concentrate more easily? First, it's useful to remember that concentration takes psychological energy, and your supply of psychological energy has limits. If you want to maintain concentration, you must be rested and relaxed. Get proper sleep and nutrition. If you're tired or hungry, you won't be able to keep your mind focused on trading.

Second, it's important to control your stress levels. Stress depletes psychological energy. Even when you are excited rather than agitated by stress, your psychological energy is depleted a little bit each time you encounter an event that gets your adrenalin pumping. It’s vital to deal with the usual background stressors that deplete psychological energy. Family hassles, chores you have to complete, and similar stresses and strains that take up space in the back of your mind may deplete psychological resources without you knowing it. Get rid of as much stress as possible.

Concentration is critical to achieving the proper mental edge. But it’s difficult to concentrate when under stress. By taking precautions, however, you can stay calm and focused and sharpen your mental edge.