Shawn Hester, recognized as the number one teaching pro in Massachusetts by Golf Digest, recently read my new ebook WHEN 10 IS GREATER THAN 90 and wanted to share the following insights with me about the similarities between golf and stock trading. This is unedited and are in his own words.
Hi David
Here are some brief concepts we can discuss regarding Golf/ Trading similarities:
· It takes COURAGE to be INSIDE the ropes, count every stroke and post a score (P/L).
· To be successful, you MUST BELIEVE IN YOURSELF and YOUR METHOD. That belief will be put to the test during scoring slumps and poor play, which are inevitable. Only the strongest survive over the long term.
· Winners have the DISCIPLINE to CONTROL THEIR HEART RATE at key times. This allows them to think clearly. Many decisions must be made in a relatively short amount of time. Golfers have 45 seconds to play a shot. In that time span they must be able to judge the different variables of wind, elevation, temperature, and distance.
· PREPARATION: It’s what you do before the opening tee shot is struck and after the final putt is holed that determines your long term success.
· Part of being prepared is having a PLAN. Practice rounds are for mapping out a strategy to play the course. You always want to play to your strengths and away from weaknesses. When the bell rings it’s time to execute the plan. And the best players can adjust mid-stream. If the wind is blowing from a different direction today, the best player is flexible enough to make adjustments during the course of the round.
· Remember, not every hole will fit your eye as well as others. The accomplished player is PATIENT. He will play to the middle of the green and wait for his green light special.
· True champions realize that technique and physical skills are only part of the equation. The more important, often missing, piece for the recreational player is the mental and emotional discipline required to succeed.
Mr Hester is spot on when he uses concepts such as belief in oneself, courage, mental and emotional discipline, physical control, preparation, having a plan, etc.
I do not know about the technical aspects of his teaching nor am I aware of his trading success but I have a strong feeling that the mental foundations he speaks of here is the core reason he has been so highly recognized as a top teaching pro and why he most likely is a successful trader as well.
Thank you for your input Shawn! I could not have said these things better myself.
