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FROM BRAIN TO MUSCLE WITH A LOT LESS TUSSLE
The On-Line Trading Psychology E-Zine of the Sierra Center for Peak Performance
Volume I, Number I - January, 2000
Welcome to the first issue of the much delayed free E-Zine of Applied Trading Psychology. Members of this mailing
list are automatically entered in a bimonthly drawing for a free Personalized Subliminal Reinforcement Tape from
the Sierra Center for Peak Performance.
It is our intention to provide short, easily read articles on Applied Trading Psychology to a select list of persons
with an expressed interest in the psychological aspects of trading. We hope to encourage an exchange of ideas and
we seek to expand understanding of the basic concepts of Applied Trading Psychology among those persons with a
desire to enhance professional performance with appropriate and responsible techniques and methods. Your comments,
suggestions and questions are strongly encouraged.
Introduction to the Psychology of Trading
"FROM BRAIN TO MUSCLE WITH A LOT LESS TUSSLE"
Peak Performance Concept-For each of us an ideal state of mind exists that is conducive to our own best
cognitive and physical performance. We can learn what this state of mind is and how to bring it on.
I. Voluntary Relaxation/Arousal Control
|
Rationale: |
To control or eliminate the negative effects of stress, increase concentration and enhance cognitive functioning. Human beings perform best when they are not too relaxed and not too tight "Relaxed Yet Highly Energized" |
|
Method: |
Diaphragmatic Breathing (Belly Breathing), Relaxation Training and Autogenic Conditioning |
|
Rationale: |
To create more positive expectations, improve confidence and assure more positive trading outcomes. Mental Rehearsal is a proven supplement to actual practice. Practicing in your head with the right images improves performance. "Mental Rehearsal is the only place you can experience perfect trading 100% of the time" |
|
Method: |
Creative Day Dreaming, Guided Imagery, Visualization and Imagery Conditioning for total mastery |
|
Rationale: |
To mold and orchestrate thoughts, feelings and emotions and make them more supportive of productive, goal oriented behavior. Thoughts, feelings and emotions have an instantaneous and involuntary effect on our ability to perform. Train the brain to consistently achieve the ideal attitude |
|
Method: |
Goal Setting, Affirmations, Thought Stopping, Positive Self-Talk and Subliminal Reinforcement |
PLAYING MIND GAMES THAT HELP YOU WIN
by Gary
A. Beale, Ph.D.
There are not many traders who can honestly say that their productivity is never affected by mental or psychological
factors. Almost everyone who works or competes or attempts to do their best at some important aspect of life has
experienced both mental boosts and hindrances. Doubts, confidence, anxiety, poise, courage and fears for example
can have a significant impact on how well we perform. The more we understand the complex interrelationship between
mind and body the more it becomes clear that in order to perform at our best professionally we must properly prepare
and use both body and mind. Research and experience have proven that structured scientific mental training can
help us learn to prepare and use our mind to improve our professional performance.
A key psychological ingredient needed to consistently perform at our best is a winning attitude. In this context
attitude is defined as those thoughts, feelings and emotions associated with a specific situation or performance.
For example the thoughts and feelings many traders associate with an inability or reluctance to consistently pull
the trigger is an overwhelming desire to avoid loss! In general if we have doubts about our ability to make
money we have trouble doing so. On the other hand if we have confidence we tend to be much more likely to stay
the course and trade successfully.
There is a scientific basis for the commonly accepted axiom that confidence in one's ability to profit leads to
successful trading. The mind and muscles of the body involuntarily and instantaneously respond to thoughts, feelings
and ideas. This phenomenon is referred to as Ideomotor Activity. In practical terms what this means is that negative
thoughts and emotions tend to have a negative effect on our muscles and mind while positive thoughts tend to have
a positive effect. In almost every situation of equal or nearly equal training, ability and preparation the winning
trader is usually the one who maintains the most consistently positive attitude and pattern of thought. All active
traders can and should learn to shape their attitude and thought pattern into one of predominantly positive and
confident thinking. The next article will tell you how to play positive mind games that will begin to shape your
thoughts and emotions and help you create and maintain a more dynamic and effective winning attitude.
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FROM BRAIN TO MUSCLE WITH A LOT LESS TUSSLE
The On-Line Trading Psychology E-Zine of the Sierra Center for Peak Performance
Volume I, Number 2 - February, 2000
Welcome to the second issue of the free E-Zine of Applied Trading Psychology. Members of this mailing list are
automatically entered in a bimonthly drawing for a free Personalized Subliminal Reinforcement Tape from the Sierra
Center for Peak Performance.
It is our intention to provide short, easily read articles on Applied Trading Psychology to a select list of persons
with an expressed interest in the psychological aspects of trading. We hope to encourage an exchange of ideas and
we seek to expand understanding of the basic concepts of Applied Trading Psychology among those persons with a
desire to enhance professional performance with appropriate and responsible techniques and methods. Your comments,
suggestions and questions are strongly encouraged.
In most cases achieving a higher level of success as a trader requires very specific behavior changes. For example,
in order to increase your productivity in the markets you may need to pull the trigger more often, adjust your
system to the market climate or consistently exit each trade when the market tells you to. You can facilitate the
process of changing your behavior by changing the way you think. Setting specific, positive, realistic and attainable
goals is a basic "Mind Game" that can help you improve your productivity and maximize your potential
as a trader.
Effective goal setting starts with defining where you are now. Getting an accurate and objective assessment of
your present skills and level of productivity is the first step on the winning pathway. Once your assessments have
been made you should set at least three goals based upon what you must do to improve. Each goal should be realistic
but require attention and effort to be achieved. It may be beneficial to consider setting a goal in each of the
following categories since they represent the major components of optimum personal productivity and effective trading:
|
I. |
ATTITUDE |
|
II. |
MOTIVATION |
|
III. |
WORK HABITS |
|
IV. |
ORGANIZATION/TIME MANAGEMENT/PLANNING |
|
V. |
HEALTH, WELLNESS & NUTRITION |
In order to get the most out of the goal setting exercise you should define at least three steps that must be taken in order to achieve each goal. Because the process of writing your goals and steps down on paper helps them to become more concrete, and also helps you to become more committed to their achievement, you should always play this mind game with paper and pencil. Once goals and steps have taken final written form, you're ready to take the next step.
An affirmation should be created for every goal and step that has been identified. An affirmation is a short, positive statement that confirms the achievement of the goal or step. Writing at least one short, positive, supportive statement for every goal that you identify creates affirmations. The steps that must be taken to achieve each goal are also used as the basis for action provoking affirmative statements. The following suggestions are helpful to the process and should be used when writing affirmations: (1) Be personal - Use I, me, my, or your first name - "I acknowledge my fears and do it anyway." (2) Be positive - "I easily earn at least $1000 a day in the markets." (3) Use the present tense - "I am a consistently winning trader." (4) Phrase your affirmation as if the goal was already accomplished - "I am wealthy, healthy and having fun trading!" (5) Change yourself not the other person - "I am unaffected by the actions of others." (6) Do not compare yourself with anyone -"I am tenacious about doing my very best!" (7) Use action words - "I take all signals with comfort and ease." (8) Be realistic, but stretch - "Each trade I make is just one of the next 1000 trades I'm going to make!" (9) Use feeling words - "I have an unbridled tenacity to excel!" (10) Avoid and eliminate - "I can..." or "I will..." or "I always..." or "I never..."
You are more likely to take the steps to achieve your goals and experience success if you review your goals
and steps on a regular basis. Once your affirmations have taken final written form, transfer them to something
you can easily carry with you. Make it a habit to review them at least once each day. By reviewing them you will
stay focused on what you must do to achieve your goals, be more aware of your progress and begin to establish a
mental routine that puts you in the right frame of mind to do what you must to achieve even greater success. Get
your "Goals and Steps Sheet" laminated and keep it with you or in your car or brief case so that you
are always ready to encourage yourself to make the right, goal achievement oriented choices. Remember that your
goals will need to be changed or modified as time passes and progress is made. Update them at least once every
two months. Use the process outlined above to generate new affirmations each time goals are changed.
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FROM BRAIN TO MUSCLE WITHOUT ANY TUSSLE
The On-Line E-Zine of the Sierra Center for Peak Performance
Volume I, Number 3 - April, 2000
Welcome to the third issue of the much delayed free E-Zine of Applied Trading Psychology. Members of this mailing
list are automatically entered in a bimonthly drawing for a free Personalized Subliminal Reinforcement Tape from
the Sierra Center for Peak Performance.
It is our intention to provide short, easily read articles on Applied Trading Psychology to a select list of persons
with an expressed interest in the psychological aspects of trading. We hope to encourage an exchange of ideas and
we seek to expand understanding of the basic concepts of Applied Trading Psychology among those persons with a
desire to enhance professional performance with appropriate and responsible techniques and methods. Your comments,
suggestions and questions are strongly encouraged.
The winner of the drawing for a free Subliminal Tape is Djumala Sutedja. Djumala has 72 hours to claim the free tape.
PLAYING MIND GAMES THAT HELP YOU WIN
MOLDING A WINNING ATTITUDE WITH AFFIRMATIONS
by Gary
A. Beale, Ph.D.
A winning attitude is a self-confident attitude. One of the most efficient and effective ways of building a winning
attitude is through the use of affirmations. An affirmation is a brief, positive statement that confirms and supports
the achievement of a goal. Affirmations are not necessarily statements of current reality, but they are the images
of your accomplished goals. Once you have developed realistic, achievable goals you are ready to create an effective
set of affirmations. Writing at least one short, positive, supportive statement for every goal that you identify
creates affirmations. The steps that must be taken to achieve each goal are also used as the basis for action provoking
affirmative statements. The following suggestions are helpful to the process and should be used when writing affirmations:
(1) Be personal - (Use I, me, my, or your first name) ""I ACKNOWLEDGE MY FEARS AND DO IT ANYWAY."
(2) Be positive - "I EASILY EARN AT LEAST $1000 A DAY IN THE MARKETS."
(3) Use the present tense - "I AM A CONSISTENTLY WINNING TRADER."
(4) Phrase your affirmation as if the goal was already accomplished - "I AM WEALTHY, HEALTHY AND HAVING FUN TRADING!"
(5) Change yourself not the other person -"I AM UNAFFECTED BY THE ACTIONS OF OTHERS."
(6) Do not compare yourself with anyone -"I AM TENACIOUS ABOUT DOING MY VERY BEST!" Avoid "I am more tenacious than Herman!" for example
(7) Use action words - "I TAKE ALL SIGNALS WITH COMFORT AND EASE."
(8) Be realistic, but stretch - "EACH TRADE I MAKE IS JUST ONE OF THE NEXT 1000 SUCCESSFUL TRADES THAT I'M GOING TO MAKE!"
(9) Use feeling words - "I HAVE AN UNBRIDLED TENACITY TO EXCEL!"
(10) Avoid and eliminate - "I CAN..." or "I WILL..." or "I ALWAYS..." or "I NEVER..."
Affirmations do not have to be believed but they do have to be believable and repeated often to become internalized.
When affirmations are stated and repeated with feeling they have the power to stimulate goal oriented action and
focus attention on the successful completion of critical tasks and skills.
Affirmations, when stated aloud at least once every day, tend to gradually replace doubts and negative thoughts with feelings of confidence and positive self-esteem. They support and enhance internal dialogues that are consistent with successful goal achievement.
Post your affirmations in conspicuous places that will cause you to notice them and encourage you to say them aloud often. If you make it a habit to say your affirmations aloud at least once every day, you will be amazed at their positive effect on you, your attitude and your performance.
The next section will provide examples of effective affirmations and the goals and steps-to-achieve that they are
based upon.
©Copyright 1997, Sierra Center for Peak Performance
Affirmations are powerful tools because they shape and focus our self-talk. Self-talk is that constant stream of words and sentences that circulate inside our head. The more we can influence our self-talk the more we can influence our attitude. Not aware of your self-talk? E-mail me with the words "SELF-TALK" in the subject line for a free Self-Talk Log that is designed to help you become more aware of your own internal dialogue.
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FROM BRAIN TO MUSCLE WITHOUT ANY TUSSLE
The On-Line E-Zine of the Sierra Center for Peak Performance
Volume I, Number 4 - May, 2000
Welcome to the fourth issue of the much delayed free E-Zine of Applied Trading Psychology. Members of this mailing
list are automatically entered in a bimonthly drawing for a free Personalized Subliminal Reinforcement Tape from
the Sierra Center for Peak Performance.
It is our intention to provide short, easily read articles on Applied Trading Psychology to a select list of persons
with an expressed interest in the psychological aspects of trading. We hope to encourage an exchange of ideas and
we seek to expand understanding of the basic concepts of Applied Trading Psychology among those persons with a
desire to enhance professional performance with appropriate and responsible techniques and methods. Your comments,
suggestions and questions are strongly encouraged.
PLAYING MIND GAMES THAT HELP YOU WIN
WRITING POWERFUL AFFIRMATIONS THAT WORK FOR YOU
by Gary
A. Beale, Ph.D.
Playing effective Mind Games that improve your professional performance requires that goal setting and affirmation writing go hand in hand. When beginning the Goal Setting/Affirmation Writing Mind Game it is helpful to consider setting at least one goal in each of the five categories representing the essential components of a sound, comprehensive peak professional performance training program:
|
I. |
ATTITUDE |
|
II. |
MOTIVATION |
|
III. |
WORK HABITS |
|
IV. |
ORGANIZATION/TIME MANAGEMENT/PLANNING |
|
V. |
HEALTH, WELLNESS & NUTRITION |
The list below gives examples of appropriate goals, steps and affirmations for traders. Remember that at least one short (3 month), medium (6 month) and long-range (12-month) goal should be set in each category. Each goal and action step should be based upon what you must do to improve. It should also be noted that in most cases more than one action step is needed to assist the process of goal achievement. Only one action step is listed here because of space limitations.
ATTITUDE GOAL: To establish a positive, confident attitude
"I SAY MY AFFIRMATIONS OFTEN TO KEEP MY ATTITUDE MORE POSITIVE."
ACTION STEP: Initiate confidence building habits
"I LOVE TO SAY MY AFFIRMATIONS ALOUD AT LEAST ONCE EVERY DAY!"
MOTIVATIONAL GOAL: To increase my desire to grow
"I DEVOTE TIME AND EFFORT TO PERSONAL GROWTH AND MY PRODUCTIVITY INCREASES."
ACTION STEP: To openly seek opportunities for growth
"OPPORTUNITIES COME TO ME BECAUSE I DARE TO SEEK PERSONAL GROWTH."
WORK HABITS GOAL: Improve my management of each trade
"I MANAGE EACH TRADE TO MAKE THE LARGEST PROFIT POSSIBLE."
ACTION STEP: Trade only when the market pays you to trade
"I LET MY PROFITS RUN AND CUT MY LOSSES SHORT."
ORGANIZATIONAL GOAL: To keep my work well organized and ready to produce
"I KEEP MY WORK WELL ORGANIZED AND I PRODUCE MUCH MORE EFFECTIVELY."
ACTION STEP: To organize my work at least once a day
"I ORGANIZE MY WORK AT LEAST ONCE EACH DAY AND STAY ON TOP OF IT MUCH MORE EASILY."
TIME MANAGEMENT/PLANNING GOAL: To plan each day's activities
"I PLAN EACH DAYS WORK AND WORK MY PLAN!"
ACTION STEP: To keep an up-to-date daily plan
"I PLAN OUT TOMORROW EACH DAY BEFORE I LEAVE MY OFFICE."
HEALTH & WELLNESS GOAL: To maintain a high level of health and wellness
"I DEVOTE TIME AND EFFORT TO MAINTAINING A HIGH LEVEL OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS."
ACTION STEP: To follow a weekly exercise program
"I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING OUT AT LEAST THREE TIMES A WEEK."
NUTRITIONAL GOAL: Eat the recommended balance of protein, carbohydrates and fat
"MY BODY FEELS SO MUCH BETTER WHEN I EAT A WELL BALANCED DIET!"
ACTION STEP: Avoid eating foods with excess fat
"I AVOID FOODS WITH EXCESS FAT AND MY BODY LOOKS AND FEELS GREAT!"
You can significantly magnify the effectiveness of your personal affirmations by having them transformed into subliminal messages that are projected just below the threshold of your conscience perception. Personalized Subliminal Tapes constructed in this way are extremely powerful tools for molding a winning attitude.
Free Tapes |Ask Dr. Relax |Subscribe | Subliminal | Ordering
FROM BRAIN TO MUSCLE WITHOUT ANY TUSSLE
The On-Line E-Zine of the Sierra Center for Peak Performance
Volume I, Number 5 - June, 2000
Welcome to the fifth issue of the free E-Zine of Applied Trading Psychology. The June and July issues will be
published in July. Members of this mailing list are automatically entered in a bimonthly drawing for a free Personalized
Subliminal Reinforcement Tape from the Sierra Center for Peak Performance.
It is our intention to provide short, easily read articles on Applied Trading Psychology to a select list of persons
with an expressed interest in the psychological aspects of trading. We hope to encourage an exchange of ideas and
we seek to expand understanding of the basic concepts of Applied Trading Psychology among those persons with a
desire to enhance professional performance with appropriate and responsible techniques and methods. Your comments,
suggestions and questions are strongly encouraged.
The winner of the drawing for a free Subliminal Tape is Juan J. Agudelo. Juan has 72 hours to claim the free tape.
PLAYING MIND GAMES THAT HELP YOU WIN
Some Basic Definitions
by Gary
A. Beale, Ph.D.
Peak Performance occurs when traders are able to call upon hidden resources, bring out their very best and elevate their performance to the upper most range of their potential. Consistent peak performance is achieved by the use of appropriate skills and preparation in the following areas:
I. MENTAL
II. PHYSICAL
III. NUTRITIONAL
IV. TECHNICAL
V. TACTICAL
Traders can and should play a major role in guiding their own efforts to develop and use effective techniques
and tactics and follow physical, nutritional and psychological regimens that will be most conducive to optimal
performance in the markets.
Most persons readily acknowledge the importance of these components of human performance, but rarely feel competent
or motivated enough to develop and implement a plan for all areas. While volumes of good information on the areas
of technique, tactics, wellness and nutrition are available, until recently very little was available regarding
scientifically based psychological skills training methods. Over the last ten years a good deal of practical data
on the applied aspects of mental training has been developed. Because of the amount of applied research generated
on the subject, it is now possible to assemble a more complete mental training package. A comprehensive program
of mental training for peak performance would include the following elements:
A. VOLUNTARY RELAXATION TRAINING
B. MENTAL REHEARSAL
C. COGNITIVE RESTRUCTURING
D. MENTAL LOG or JOURNAL KEEPING
E. REGULAR PRACTICE AND ASSESSMENT
The first four Sections in this series have been focused on the Mind Games associated with Cognitive Restructuring.
Cognitive Restructuring can be defined as the use of systematic methods to influence thoughts and emotions in very
positive and powerful ways. This aspect of mental training can be subdivided into the following categories:
C. COGNITIVE RESTRUCTURING
1. GOAL SETTING
2. AFFIRMATIONS
3. POSITIVE SELF-TALK
4. THOUGHT-STOPPING
5. SUBLIMINAL REINFORCEMENT
A set of realistic and appropriate goals is a key ingredient needed to develop and use all of the powerful methods
associated with Cognitive Restructuring. The use of a workbook specifically designed to assist the Goal Setting
and Affirmation Writing Mind Game can be very helpful.
The next section will offer practical methods of encouraging the habitual use of Positive Self-Talk and Thought
Stopping.
You can significantly magnify the effectiveness of your goals and personal affirmations by having them transformed into subliminal messages that are projected just below the threshold of your conscience perception. Personalized Subliminal Tapes constructed in this way are extremely powerful tools for molding a winning attitude.
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FROM BRAIN TO MUSCLE WITHOUT ANY TUSSLE
The On-Line E-Zine of the Sierra Center for Peak Performance
Volume I, Number 6 - July, 2000
Welcome to the sixth issue of the free E-Zine of Applied Trading Psychology. The June and July issues will be
published in July. Members of this mailing list are automatically entered in a bimonthly drawing for a free Personalized
Subliminal Reinforcement Tape from the Sierra Center for Peak Performance.
It is our intention to provide short, easily read articles on Applied Trading Psychology to a select list of persons
with an expressed interest in the psychological aspects of trading. We hope to encourage an exchange of ideas and
we seek to expand understanding of the basic concepts of Applied Trading Psychology among those persons with a
desire to enhance professional performance with appropriate and responsible techniques and methods. Your comments,
suggestions and questions are strongly encouraged.
The winner of the drawing for a free Subliminal Tape is S. Noonan. Mr./Ms. Noonan has 72 hours to claim the free tape.
PLAYING MIND GAMES THAT HELP YOU WIN
THOUGHTS = FEELINGS = PERFORMANCE
by Gary
A. Beale, Ph.D.
What you think, say and feel is critical to how well you perform. Your thoughts directly affect how you feel and how you feel directly affects how you perform. Negative thoughts most often lead to negative feelings and poor performance. Positive thoughts and positive feelings are most often associated with good performances. To gain greater control over your own performance you must gain greater control over what you think. Although internal dialogs consume vast amounts of our time, when trading and away from trading, most of us are unaware of the presence and content of our self-talk. The first step towards controlling and molding your own winning self-talk is discovering the substance and frequency of your current internal messages. Use the following Self-Talk Log to keep a daily diary of your thoughts and the performance situations that trigger them:
NAME__________________________ DATE_____
THE WORDS AND SENTENCES I USED:
1. PRIOR TO THE MARKET OPENING _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. WHEN TAKING SIGNALS
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
3. JUST BEFORE PULLING THE TRIGGER
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
4. JUST AFTER PULLING THE TRIGGER
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
5. WHEN THE MARKET IS MOVING TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
6. WHEN THE MARKET IS MOVING TO YOUR DISADVANTAGE
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
7. PRIOR TO GOING FLAT
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
8. PRIOR TO CUTTING YOUR LOSSES SHORT
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
9. AT THE END OF A GOOD DAY
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
10. AT THE END OF A POOR DAY
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
11. WHILE PREPARING FOR THE NEXT DAY
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Keep a record of your thoughts during trading as well as preparing to trade. Be especially aware of negative
or self-depreciating comments. The next section will offer techniques that can be used to produce and encourage
winning self-talk and eliminate self-defeating messages.
Visit
our New Site
Mind Games Mental Training Programs, among other things, are designed to help Traders establish the habit of Positive Self-Talk. Click here to order a program that will help you establish a powerful Cognitive Restructuring Regimen that will help you get into mold and orchestrate your own Self-Talk into that of a consistent Peak Performer and Master Trader.
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FROM BRAIN TO MUSCLE WITHOUT ANY TUSSLE
The On-Line E-Zine of the Sierra Center for Peak Performance
Volume I, Number 7 - August, 2000
Welcome to the seventh issue of the free E-Zine of Applied Trading Psychology. Members of this mailing list
are automatically entered in a bimonthly drawing for a free Personalized Subliminal Reinforcement Tape from the
Sierra Center for Peak Performance.
It is our intention to provide short, easily read articles on Applied Trading Psychology to a select list of persons
with an expressed interest in the psychological aspects of trading. We hope to encourage an exchange of ideas and
we seek to expand understanding of the basic concepts of Applied Trading Psychology among those persons with a
desire to enhance professional performance with appropriate and responsible techniques and methods. Your comments,
suggestions and questions are strongly encouraged.
PLAYING MIND GAMES THAT HELP YOU WIN
DILUTING NEGATIVE SELF-TALK BY THOUGHT STOPPING
by Gary
A. Beale, Ph.D.
Negative or self-depreciating thoughts most often lead to negative feelings and poor performance. Positive thoughts
and positive feelings are most often associated with good performances. Once you have gained an awareness of the
content of your thoughts and internal dialogs you are ready to begin your efforts to eliminate the negative and
accentuate the positive. ("Don't mess with Mr. In-between!")
One simple, easy and effective means of diluting the impact of negative self-talk is to establish a habit of
Negative Thought Stopping. Each time you are aware of a negative, unwanted, self-depreciating or unproductive thought
or verbalization, take the following action:
(1) SAY "STOP!" EMPHATICALLY
if circumstances allow, say it aloud. If not, say it to yourself.
(2) TAKE A DEEP, RELAXING BREATH
- inhale very slowly through your nose to a slow count of six ("1-1, 2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5, 6-6") as you force your diaphragm down and your stomach out. Hold your breath for a slow count of four and then exhale slowly through your mouth for a slow count of six while drawing your diaphragm and stomach back in and up. (This sequence of actions is a natural trigger for the Relaxation Response.)
(3) SAY A POSITIVE AFFIRMATION
- think of and say an affirmation that is in direct opposition to the negative message. Say it aloud or to yourself. For example, if just before pulling the trigger you hear yourself saying or thinking "Am I going to lose money, big time on this trade?" you might use an affirmation like "I AM UNAFFECTED BY THE OUTCOME OF ANY SINGLE TRADE." or "THE OUTCOME OF ANY ONE TRADE IS IRRELEVANT TO THE OUTCOME OF THE THOUSANDS I MAKE".
(4) TAKE A BREAK
- if you can, pause for a moment or take a "time out" from whatever you were doing when the thought occurred. Taking a break helps to weaken any association that may exist between the activity you were engaged in and the negative thought.
By playing the Thought Stopping Mind Game you will more easily control and mold your own winning self-talk and
experience good feelings and good performances much more often.
Visit
our New Site
Mind Games Mental Training Programs, among other things, are designed to help Traders establish the habit of Positive Self-Talk. Click here to order a Free Sample set of Affirmations that will help you establish a powerful Cognitive Restructuring Regimen that will help you mold and orchestrate your own Self-Talk. Affirmations are one way to establishing a habit of positive thinking and turn your Self-Talk into that of a consistent Peak Performer and Master Trader.
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FROM BRAIN TO MUSCLE WITHOUT ANY TUSSLE
The On-Line E-Zine of the Sierra Center for Peak Performance
Volume I, Number 8 - September, 2000
Welcome to the eighth issue of the free E-Zine of Applied Trading Psychology. Members of this mailing list
are automatically entered in a bimonthly drawing for a free Personalized Subliminal Reinforcement Tape from the
Sierra Center for Peak Performance.
It is our intention to provide short, easily read articles on Applied Trading Psychology to a select list of persons
with an expressed interest in the psychological aspects of trading. We hope to encourage an exchange of ideas and
we seek to expand understanding of the basic concepts of Applied Trading Psychology among those persons with a
desire to enhance professional performance with appropriate and responsible techniques and methods. Your comments,
suggestions and questions are strongly encouraged.
The winner of the drawing for a free Personalized Subliminal Affirmation Tape is Jeff High. Jeff has 72 hours to claim his free tape.
PROGRAMMING POSITIVE THOUGHTS WITH SUBLIMINAL REINFORCEMENT
PART I
by Gary A. Beale, Ph.D.
Subliminal Reinforcement is one of the most misunderstood and underrated performance-enhancing tools of this decade. The word subliminal means, below the threshold of conscious perception. Subliminal Reinforcement is reinforcement that occurs below the threshold of conscious perception.
If you have ever thought you heard the telephone ringing while running the vacuum sweeper and then turned the machine off to listen and discovered that the phone was in fact ringing, you have experienced subliminal reinforcement. The sound of the vacuum drowned out the sound of the phone-forcing it just below the threshold of conscious perception- but the ringing of the phone still prompted (i.e., reinforced) your desire to take action.
Because each of us is a separate individual with many special characteristics that are unique to us, personalized affirmations make the most effective subliminal messages. When properly written, personalized affirmations reflect our own uniqueness and support the specific action steps necessary to achieve our special goals. Subliminal affirmations are a powerful form of suggestion. If you wish to program your thoughts with the aid of subliminal affirmations you must use the principle of suggestion called the:
Law of Concentrated Attention - whenever attention is concentrated on an idea over and over again, the idea tends to spontaneously realize itself.
Repetitive mass media commercials used in advertising are typical examples of everyday applications of this law. Does anybody really believe that the Energizer Bunny keeps going and going and going? And yet the commercial does effect our purchasing behavior.
For optimum effectiveness concentrate your thoughts on the affirmations in these two ways:
Subliminal reinforcement works at the level of the subconscious mind, and when the subconscious mind is repeatedly subjected to positive, goal-oriented affirmations you've written, the affirmations began to replace doubts and negative thoughts and transform your attitude into that of a consistent winner. The next section will further explain the power and effectiveness of subliminal reinforcement.
Subliminal Reinforcement is an integral part of the CDs, tapes and training programs offered by the Sierra Center for Peak Performance. Visit our order page and review our training packages and pricing. And remember that as a subscriber to this Ezine you will receive a 20% discount on all purchases.
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FROM BRAIN TO MUSCLE WITHOUT ANY TUSSLE
The On-Line E-Zine of the Sierra Center for Peak Performance
Volume I, Number 9 - October, 2000
Welcome to the ninth issue of the free E-Zine of Applied Trading Psychology. Members of this mailing list are
automatically entered in a bimonthly drawing for a free Personalized Subliminal Reinforcement Tape from the Sierra
Center for Peak Performance.
It is our intention to provide short, easily read articles on Applied Trading Psychology to a select list of persons
with an expressed interest in the psychological aspects of trading. We hope to encourage an exchange of ideas and
we seek to expand understanding of the basic concepts of Applied Trading Psychology among those persons with a
desire to enhance professional performance with appropriate and responsible techniques and methods. Your comments,
suggestions and questions are strongly encouraged.
PROGRAMMING POSITIVE THOUGHTS WITH SUBLIMINAL REINFORCEMENT
PART II
by Gary A. Beale, Ph.D.
Subliminal Reinforcement is a very powerful tool that can impact your thoughts and performance in very dramatic and positive ways. Properly structured personalized affirmations make the most potent subliminal messages. Earlier sections in this series demonstrated how you can create effective personalized affirmations using the goal setting and action step method. Once your affirmations have taken a final written form they can be used as the messages that are programmed onto personalized, subliminal reinforcement tapes.
Research and experience has proven that in order for your affirmations to have an optimal effect on your level of motivation and competitive attitude they must be merged with music, or some other form of masking medium such as the sound of ocean waves, in very specific ways. For example, to be most compelling the volume of your subliminal affirmations must be maintained just below the hearing threshold and vary with the volume of the music. Your affirmations must also have a tonal quality that is free of the sibilants (hissing sounds) of the human voice. If these two basic modifications are not made the brain will track and block out the subliminal message much as it tracks and blocks out the audible hum of a fan or other distracting background sound that does not fluctuate.
These two basic technical requirements can only be satisfied by the use of an electronic device. Carl Staub, a brilliant electrical engineer and president of a local company named Agro, designed and perfected the device that I currently use. Carl's device electronically removes the sibilants, mixes the music with the affirmations and continually adjusts the volume of the affirmations so that no matter how loud or how soft the music becomes the affirmations are always just below the hearing threshold. Many athletes, and other persons who are committed to personal excellence, have reaped the benefits that personalized subliminal tapes and structured mental training can provide.
Subliminal Reinforcement is an integral part of the tapes and training programs offered by the Sierra Center for Peak Performance. Visit our new order page and review our new training packages and pricing. And remember that as a subscriber to this Ezine you will receive a 20% discount on all purchases.
Free Tapes |Free Affirmations|
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FROM BRAIN TO MUSCLE WITHOUT ANY TUSSLE
The On-Line E-Zine of the Sierra Center for Peak Performance
Volume I, Number 10 - November, 2000
Welcome to the tenth issue of the free E-Zine of Applied Trading Psychology. Members of this mailing list are
automatically entered in a bimonthly drawing for a free Personalized Subliminal Reinforcement Tape from the Sierra
Center for Peak Performance.
It is our intention to provide short, easily read articles on Applied Trading Psychology to a select list of persons
with an expressed interest in the psychological aspects of trading. We hope to encourage an exchange of ideas and
we seek to expand understanding of the basic concepts of Applied Trading Psychology among those persons with a
desire to enhance professional performance with appropriate and responsible techniques and methods. Your comments,
suggestions and questions are strongly encouraged.
PLAYING MIND GAMES THAT HELP YOU WIN
MAPPING THE WINNING PATHWAY
by Gary
A. Beale, Ph.D
The more we understand the complex interrelationship between mind and body the
more it becomes clear that in order to perform at our best physically we must
properly prepare and use both body and mind. While everyone would agree that
preparing and using the mind is an important part of successful trading, few of
us know where to begin or what elements are most important. James Loehr,
psychologist and founder of the Center for Athletic Excellence, compiled
information from a large cross section of peak performers in a variety of sports
and developed what I consider to be the "Axioms of Mental Training".
These seven basic and generally accepted principles of structured, scientific
psychological preparation provide an ideal starting place for those of us who
want to understand how to use all of our resources to be our very best. While
Loehr was working with athletes, it is easy to see how these principles apply to
trading. Loehr used both oral and written interviews and determined that:
Can you see the relevance of these
principles to your performance as a trader?
My next article will describe how you can begin to more specifically define your
own ideal psychological climate.
Free Tapes |Free Affirmations|
Ask Dr. Relax |Subscribe | Subliminal | Ordering|New Site!
FROM BRAIN TO MUSCLE WITHOUT ANY TUSSLE
The On-Line E-Zine of the Sierra Center for Peak Performance
Volume I, Number 11 - December, 2000
Welcome to the eleventh issue of the free E-Zine of Applied Trading Psychology. Members of this mailing list are
automatically entered in a bimonthly drawing for a free Personalized Subliminal Reinforcement Tape from the Sierra
Center for Peak Performance.
It is our intention to provide short, easily read articles on Applied Trading Psychology to a select list of persons
with an expressed interest in the psychological aspects of trading. We hope to encourage an exchange of ideas and
we seek to expand understanding of the basic concepts of Applied Trading Psychology among those persons with a
desire to enhance professional performance with appropriate and responsible techniques and methods. Your comments,
suggestions and questions are strongly encouraged.
PLAYING MIND GAMES THAT HELP YOU WIN
MAPPING THE WINNING PATHWAY:
Part II
by Gary
A. Beale, Ph.D
One of the most direct ways of beginning to define your own ideal psychological climate is to use the power of your memory and imagination. I suggest that you do the following exercise in a darkened, quite room that is free from distractions and interruptions and has a comfortable place to recline or sit.
The list that you develop in this way will provide your first draft of what
elements make up your own ideal, internal psychological climate. Once you have
defined the elements that are present when you perform at your best you can then
look for ways to generate, replicate, orchestrate and encourage those elements
each time you compete or perform. Future articles will contain suggestions on
how this can be accomplished.
Free Tapes |Free Affirmations|
Ask Dr. Relax |Subscribe | Subliminal | Ordering|New Site!