tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093906293162387462024-02-20T14:36:24.816-05:00Don Miller Trading JournalOne trader's two-year trading and life journal designed to motivate and encourage othersDon Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.comBlogger731125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-3227839469052351762010-07-12T17:33:00.003-04:002010-07-12T17:34:22.697-04:00We've Moved!A reminder that we've moved to the new and expanded "Don Miller Trading Tank" site at <a href="http://donmillerblog.com/">donmillerblog.com</a>:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWeKC2vYSXUty6mNtLNkIQ2aBzOe505Y4z0XLdqhC5KaHMg35Hev6NIqvf-PB3GS-qgG6e1hyyuJ4jW3tG9kJ5rYAw1froObpcgv09Bv1cNjpIeN5oXl659BqywpMNbPBPJbC5bFo-F-pc/s400/NewBlog.jpg" width="400" /></div>Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-3387881083417653532010-07-10T20:00:00.000-04:002010-07-10T21:06:37.484-04:00IMPORTANT NOTICE - Old and New BookmarksPlease note that as of July 9, 2010, all new content will appear on our new site at <a href="http://donmillerblog.com/">donmillerblog.com</a>.<br />
<br />
This content will remain accessible in its entirety on this site, which you can bookmark via the root address of <a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/">http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/</a>.<br />
<br />
Yet the new site will also contain links back to here, as well as direct links to some of the key posts.<br />
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Thanks.Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-85735388653123685452010-07-09T21:22:00.005-04:002010-07-09T22:11:12.764-04:00Breaking Blog News<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApUleacuWba3xL3kqaHOpvJhFcBJS7i-AeXgomQ6rrD6lxNP2KdZGKqp7Q66NowVTjT7vsYIVKWy_pHIYFmYvpqmP4umbmAskFiC9I92Yu-oFjHr-690JlAe-eGKljdjG5VF-9dBVYE6f/s1600/funny+thing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApUleacuWba3xL3kqaHOpvJhFcBJS7i-AeXgomQ6rrD6lxNP2KdZGKqp7Q66NowVTjT7vsYIVKWy_pHIYFmYvpqmP4umbmAskFiC9I92Yu-oFjHr-690JlAe-eGKljdjG5VF-9dBVYE6f/s320/funny+thing.jpg" width="212" /></a>A funny thing happened on the way to indexing the old blog ...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">... <a href="http://www.donmillerblog.com/">click here</a> to find out and make sure to change your bookmarks to <a href="http://donmillerblog.com/">donmillerblog.com</a>.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div>Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-76186065231464855572010-07-09T10:39:00.006-04:002010-07-09T10:47:20.028-04:00Update - Blog Preservation & New InnovationsFriends -<br />
<br />
In the spirit of balancing preserving the history of this two-year diary with moving forward, I'm in the process <em>(when I'm not trading)</em> of creating a new & expanded site on a different platform that will host the best of the old, as well as some new innovations designed to continue to support and motivate traders of all types across the world.<br />
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The site will use WordPress <em>(my new toy during non trading times so I can <a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2009/10/monday-notes-jellie-dictionary.html">SOOT</a>)</em> which will allow for much more than I could do here, and is currently under development, but since I tend to move quickly I'm hoping to have a Weekend Trader post -- which I plan on continuing -- up sometime over the weekend.<br />
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So look for new formats & themes as we move ahead.<br />
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<em>And keep the suggestions coming as we look to continue to strengthen traders in every way possible.</em><br />
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DonDon Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-29431285954946042872010-07-08T16:06:00.000-04:002010-07-08T16:06:37.427-04:00Update - Stay Tuned ...... for details about a new journey.Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-64912146627713310882010-07-04T22:40:00.014-04:002010-07-07T10:28:09.617-04:00Journal Epilogue - You Have The Power<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuq9tAOC_R9aYgcFfP2zJPpLK6Y54lZ-43KvpkvUZO3VzpgoX2Ux5rkRPQ7-pmWfjPjsgPnypz3P-Ne5-0MH3sE25yHaQF44qtF5v-nTqMUSIerFXVuqYAYAcWEo7-I_ikJOBR2kcnst6g/s1600/wizard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><em><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuq9tAOC_R9aYgcFfP2zJPpLK6Y54lZ-43KvpkvUZO3VzpgoX2Ux5rkRPQ7-pmWfjPjsgPnypz3P-Ne5-0MH3sE25yHaQF44qtF5v-nTqMUSIerFXVuqYAYAcWEo7-I_ikJOBR2kcnst6g/s320/wizard.jpg" /></em></a><span style="color: #990000;"><em>Please note the following epilogue marks an end to the current phase of this journal, as well as a new yet-to-be-defined beginning as I take an indefinite hiatus from public journaling to simply trade my private fund and consider the future. Stay tuned via both the blog and </em><a href="http://twitter.com/millerdon"><em>twitter</em></a><em>.</em></span></div><br />
As traders, we search.<br />
<br />
We first search for knowledge. An in-depth knowledge of our craft so we can provide a market service, extracting profits to sustain ourselves in the process.<br />
<br />
Along the way, once the knowledge is obtained, the search often shifts to that of heart and courage as we face constant challenges -- both internal and external -- that are thrust upon us on a daily basis.<br />
<br />
Yet we're all searching for that elusive, magical place. That place that can instantly provide the knowledge, heart, and courage which we lack. That place where all of the market challenges have been overcome and are finally behind us once and for all. That place where our career dreams are fully realized, and pain is no more.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVuJF0oB0UPJXatF006oBCr2zxfVFFrCOVDoq9zssskkAqGY7a__XGjYq-Yeb_hZBi30KzEYWieJFIT8yjTr2GSU80_uxLa3QRxzkkwwwLJ1F1Cm-b3bZLsXeEOgHcWbUZKwz0hyphenhyphengoaj3/s1600/wizard-of-oz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVuJF0oB0UPJXatF006oBCr2zxfVFFrCOVDoq9zssskkAqGY7a__XGjYq-Yeb_hZBi30KzEYWieJFIT8yjTr2GSU80_uxLa3QRxzkkwwwLJ1F1Cm-b3bZLsXeEOgHcWbUZKwz0hyphenhyphengoaj3/s200/wizard-of-oz.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>And during our search, we stumble across an abundance of "wizards" who we're told can provide everything for which we're searching.<br />
<br />
Yet with due respect to Jack Schwager, there's no such thing as a wizard <em>(guides, yes ... wizards, no),</em> just as there aren't any instant cures for those who lack knowledge, heart, or courage. <br />
<br />
For time after time, we realize that such people are -- at best, simply on the same journey we are -- and at worst, hiding behind a curtain pulling levers and pushing buttons that merely results in a grand illusion.<br />
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Then we realize -- usually to our surprise -- that the journey <span style="color: #990000;"><strong>never</strong></span> ends. Instead, the road <em>(yellow perhaps)</em> simply winds and twists as we encounter new places and challenges.<br />
<br />
# # #<br />
<br />
Over the last two years, I felt called to essentially remind those on a similar journey to mine -- through this diary and the more formal <a href="http://www.donmillereducation.com/24712.html">Jellie</a> education -- that we're <strong><span style="color: #990000;">all</span></strong> on the same journey, and that the true answers lie within each of us.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #990000;">You have the power within you.</span></strong><br />
<br />
You always have.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I simply reminded you in as many ways as I could think of -- through personal experiences, videos, sports and movie anologies, parables, formal education, and personal interaction.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">726 times.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eKGwz6wiIUxC7av9Y7FRNiN0_W5TAg9trTQI4uGceJ2GLRQSzWGtCfamwP-jKYr_Lw87D8bnGwH0hqzRS8mxzvR9QueY0oVla36u8b_rPpmJY8W_RmuSsorQBec7_Vkv2oZ0I7uWHbCf/s1600/DonFBTufts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eKGwz6wiIUxC7av9Y7FRNiN0_W5TAg9trTQI4uGceJ2GLRQSzWGtCfamwP-jKYr_Lw87D8bnGwH0hqzRS8mxzvR9QueY0oVla36u8b_rPpmJY8W_RmuSsorQBec7_Vkv2oZ0I7uWHbCf/s320/DonFBTufts.jpg" /></a>May the classic <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11BQQvVy8LI">words of L. Frank Baum</a> <em>(please click on the link as I couldn't embed the video due to copyright restrictions ... and particularly take note of seconds 30-50),</em> and all the words of this journal over the last two years guide all who venture upon these pages ... now and forevermore.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And may God grant us all the strength on our respective inner journeys.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">'Til we meet again.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWS8dlElprs5An0vKy63BcBMMyvCADdXFaeZsLoGCNhQgKHRPtH1RCzZw8JtCehul8-byYKqJPKl1BLwq-WA18d11Wy9CHkG0OK2jC0lDOrFqsrboZC0nyMuAJ4PtJhlGpQRWKx1jBQas/s1600/DFM+Signature.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWS8dlElprs5An0vKy63BcBMMyvCADdXFaeZsLoGCNhQgKHRPtH1RCzZw8JtCehul8-byYKqJPKl1BLwq-WA18d11Wy9CHkG0OK2jC0lDOrFqsrboZC0nyMuAJ4PtJhlGpQRWKx1jBQas/s320/DFM+Signature.gif" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-12515276693598501752010-07-03T14:27:00.008-04:002010-07-04T09:05:32.074-04:00The Weekend Trader - Update To Friday's Video<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5skwv5h00mcO8SYZf1H-re0FBhhKAbPuJqArByYJv57z27K-_jHdz1v-meS82UA0-emhq6TBri8jTLk8m2zc_FfmN0_AeG7yo97Y36LE7njCUzZgdMegXiqK-zgD989YC-Cr4A27p1r2/s1600/update.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5skwv5h00mcO8SYZf1H-re0FBhhKAbPuJqArByYJv57z27K-_jHdz1v-meS82UA0-emhq6TBri8jTLk8m2zc_FfmN0_AeG7yo97Y36LE7njCUzZgdMegXiqK-zgD989YC-Cr4A27p1r2/s320/update.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;">7/4 Update - I added the dates for the final 2010 Jellie Training session at the bottom.</span><br />
<br />
Wowzer in terms of awaking to a flood of emails in response to <a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2010/07/special-post-end-of-road.html">Friday's video</a>.<br />
<br />
While I wasn't going to post again this weekend, it's easier for me to respond once via the blog vs. answering dozens of emails <em>(and it's only 2pm on Saturday).</em><br />
<br />
First, thanks for the tremendous outpouring of support for past efforts. And while "thanks" doesn't do it justice, it's the only word I can think of for now.<br />
<br />
And as I consider the future over the coming days, please remember that every book has a final chapter, and this two-year journal reflects a virtual "book" of 725 pages which can be bookmarked and referenced over and over again ... more than any book in my entire library.<br />
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If either of my kids took up trading, I'd essentially provide them the blog and Jellie Webinars, and ask them to make sure they read every post in the key post list in the lower left-hand margin.<br />
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I'd also tell them that "new" material isn't always necessary, which is why many of the classic books remain ... well, classic ... although markets certainly change from time to time. I also personally dislike producing "re-run" material, which is sort of like reinventing the wheel when you can instead simply point people to the pile of wheels in the corner. <em>And many times, I frankly just feel like driving the car with the wind in my hair -- which takes energy not consumed by building wheels!</em><br />
<br />
Regardless of what form this journal takes on July 5th and beyond, this living document and its spirit of the last two years will remain available, as will -- at least for now -- access to the <a href="http://www.donmillereducation.com/6001.html">Jellie Webinars</a> which remain the most comprehensive educational product I'll likely ever produce. <em>And yes, I'm still planning to run one final live multi-week event in the fall of 2010 <strong><span style="color: #990000;">(Dates now set for 9/7-10/1),</span></strong> but you'll need to let me know quickly.</em><br />
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I'll update plans over the coming days ... so stay tuned.<br />
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In the meantime, thanks :-)Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-51463750155010256222010-07-02T22:13:00.001-04:002010-07-02T22:19:59.316-04:00Special Post - The End of a Road?Some roads are meant to end, some lead to others, and some simply continue in a perpetual loop.<br />
<br />
The next few days will determine which road this journal takes.<br />
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Have a safe, relaxing, and joyous holiday weekend.<br />
<br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0yTifW9dSUE&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0yTifW9dSUE&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-36050920392401801642010-07-01T15:03:00.003-04:002010-07-01T15:18:32.069-04:00Thursday Notes - Poker NightBack at it on Friday before some well-deserved R&R over the long weekend.<br />
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Scratch day today as I wasn't particularly focused and the energy level was extremely low after a rough night's sleep with the sore tooth, but technically the daily streak ends after almost a full month.<br />
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So it's 30 steps forward, 1 step backward -- or more accurately, sideways -- as I wait to ramp up the trading after the Holiday weekend.Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-84642826969889567152010-06-30T22:54:00.005-04:002010-06-30T23:05:23.165-04:00Wednesday PM Notes - Grinding It OutHere's a quick late night video follow-up to <a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2010/06/wednesday-notes-crowning-achievement.html">today's earlier post</a> discussing my strong views of needing to "grind out" trading profits <em>(as opposed to your teeth)</em> to use as the <strong><span style="color: #990000;">only </span></strong>source to replenish trading losses.<br />
<br />
It's been one of the parmount reasons I've been able to stay in the game and prevent any hint of a death spiral which has sabotaged so many traders.<br />
<br />
As for the short-term trade-off in terms of immediate profits as the result of reduced size?<br />
<br />
Well, I'll take "Trading for the Long Term" for $1,000 Alex.<br />
<br />
At this end, history has shown that such a choice always results in the Daily Double.<br />
<br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nsiOxe-6CHY&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nsiOxe-6CHY&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-86739711363337435372010-06-30T13:45:00.015-04:002010-06-30T14:09:50.454-04:00Wednesday Notes - A Crowning Achievement<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYPnqwHxVWKryULUHHadUm4Uu9JKWh0WzIZQzKjM3qx-o9ud2HhqAcibYiWKX9Vdxytiwt-ACAOY5lcWtdXpO5Djvsm4Y4CzhL888Y3myDIC22S0sU8GiPtNMsYMQ7pbRberJcUn_hpXQ/s1600/dental_gold_crown1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYPnqwHxVWKryULUHHadUm4Uu9JKWh0WzIZQzKjM3qx-o9ud2HhqAcibYiWKX9Vdxytiwt-ACAOY5lcWtdXpO5Djvsm4Y4CzhL888Y3myDIC22S0sU8GiPtNMsYMQ7pbRberJcUn_hpXQ/s320/dental_gold_crown1.gif" width="297" /></a></div>First, please forgive me for the post title pun, as I've closed up trading shop early on this textbook MATD to spend 90 joyous <em>(not)</em> minutes in the dentist chair so one of my chipped molars can get prepped for a gold crown. <br />
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<em>Don't you love how dentists call grinding a tooth down to its stub "prepped"? I call it torture.</em><br />
<br />
Yet in a way, perhaps the title is fitting in that I've continued to catch a bit of a tailwind with my trading as the summer rhythms have been rather kind in terms of opportunity ... leaving our job to simply not throwing up all over ourselves in the process <em>(great visual, huh?)</em><br />
<br />
And while this month was far from my best in terms of profitability as I purposely cut my sizes back, I'll argue that it may have been one of the satisfying "grinding" months ever given that it was -- by far -- one of the most <strong><span style="color: #990000;">critical</span></strong> months of my career.<br />
<br />
This is because for the first time in my "post-figured-this business-out" career, I was doubting whether I still had the (A) tenacity and (B) desire to not only fully recover from the events of <a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2010/05/thursday-notes-theres-no-crying-in.html">May 6 hit</a> and get my capital back above my critical career trailing stop <em>(as I said recently, below which it had <span style="color: #990000;"><strong>never</strong> </span>dropped), </em>but to re-establish the necessary blend of consistency and confidence -- <em>the former breeding the latter -- </em>to plant the seeds for recapturing what I'll call a championship caliber performance level ... and on a sustained basis.<br />
<br />
Simply put, I <strong><span style="color: #990000;">can't</span></strong> overestimate the importance of this month at this end.<br />
<br />
So I tweaked a few things:<br />
<br />
- Reduced sizes <em>(at the same time proving you<strong> can</strong> run a nice store with <strong>modest </strong>sizes).</em><br />
- Reduced # of trade sequences <em>(to levels where my broker was wondering where I was).</em><br />
- Barely traded the Europe markets <em>(although I of course traded ES during those times).</em><br />
- Made consistency my highest short-term priority <em>(thus the temporary blog counters)</em>.<br />
- Often narrated non-stop in the Jellie room while trading so I wouldn't lose focus.<br />
- Ramped up supplement program <em>(to help this 49-year old brain feel like 25).</em><br />
<br />
The net result is that which you see in the top left corner counter, and a month that ended with a strong <strong><span style="color: #990000;">30-to-1 </span></strong>ES win/draw dollar ratio. <em>Yea, I know, shades of the multi-month ratios in the '04, '07, '08, and '09 zones.</em><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>btw, note I added a counter for # of days since > 0.5% loss, which is far more meaningful than the more silly "no loss" streak which will come and go ... and <strong>should</strong> "go" from time to time else I be trading on eggshells and not focused on net profit over time.</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixdfolm5R9bllPB9v6RlE5QXCS3JqL46JcyUfZir8YCAlxDgENtoUfUlFePS6Qz2NaSg8Y8X1jgTMN8Yg5VD7zKpEpgH6s4aA7NFnq-aLe-YSla6-VL4MUPTxI4VKBj-1KrNZ4_NL0a6t/s1600/oh+ye+of+little+faith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixdfolm5R9bllPB9v6RlE5QXCS3JqL46JcyUfZir8YCAlxDgENtoUfUlFePS6Qz2NaSg8Y8X1jgTMN8Yg5VD7zKpEpgH6s4aA7NFnq-aLe-YSla6-VL4MUPTxI4VKBj-1KrNZ4_NL0a6t/s320/oh+ye+of+little+faith.jpg" /></a>Perhaps the following exchange of brief emails between Pat Lafferty -- my broker at MF Global since '03 --and me from today sums everything up best.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #990000;">Don: FYI, look for my volume to start picking up again after the 4th. I've been in conservative mode lately to work my ass off and get back above the pre-flash crash level ... which is now done.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #990000;">Pat: I saw. That’s good news. I never doubted.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Truth be known, for a brief moment, <strong><span style="color: #990000;">I</span></strong> doubted.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Not the skill or methods --- those will always be there long after I'm gone -- but the desire.<br />
<br />
Oh Ye of little faith.<br />
<br />
And the journey continues ...</div>Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-67881759435430018202010-06-29T07:05:00.011-04:002010-06-29T11:18:28.651-04:00Tuesday AM Notes - Maybe It's My FaultHere are two outstanding motivational videos as provided by onlookers:<br />
<br />
In the first one, Michael Jordan summarizes EXACTLY what I've been trying to say to the trading community for more than a decade, and <strong><span style="color: #990000;">especially</span></strong> during the last two years of blogging. This would be such a great final post ...<em> so very, very tempting :-).</em><br />
<br />
Please listen to -- and digest -- every single word ... especially the part about failure & pain.<br />
<br />
<object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9zSVu76AX3I&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9zSVu76AX3I&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br />
<br />
This second one (about 10 minutes long) discusses what <strong><span style="color: #990000;">truly</span></strong> motivates us, using an MIT study as its basis:<br />
<br />
<object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/u6XAPnuFjJc&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/u6XAPnuFjJc&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-26754664128507354832010-06-28T12:30:00.005-04:002010-06-28T13:00:08.460-04:00Monday Notes - Synchronized Swimming<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">OK, let's recap this morning's PJO (Prime Jellie Opportunity) ... once again using the Jellie tank transcript <em>(click to enlarge).</em> This time, I left the Jellie comments in tact (<em>hiding the names for confidentiality)</em> to reinforce the benefit of multiple "team" eyes.</div></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Sharp focus, a single market <em>(do people still trade multiple markets????),</em> one setup, stalking one sniper shot, multiple eyes, & everyone swimming together.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As it should be.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>P.S. I may do this from time to time as time and focus permit ... and will be sure to include losers as well.</em></div></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQV_5zEvKreyiqmzvfRVonE38nLYn_KRePZvmJF3MOmolkBvWfIlK7NZMhyRXY-vrgaKej1EhtvscAHFvmA-SE5ssVzuCDn-el1JzQk85XCOcIlqi1BA6IhVvEyWCjacSDh3GDjE91gQV/s1600/Jun28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQV_5zEvKreyiqmzvfRVonE38nLYn_KRePZvmJF3MOmolkBvWfIlK7NZMhyRXY-vrgaKej1EhtvscAHFvmA-SE5ssVzuCDn-el1JzQk85XCOcIlqi1BA6IhVvEyWCjacSDh3GDjE91gQV/s400/Jun28.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-25762880540522043852010-06-27T16:31:00.008-04:002010-06-27T16:48:53.357-04:00The Weekend Trader Part 3 - The Consistency Counter<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIciCpJprMUaz7gsXwz0eUlkwtptrqyAjBwwdBk70ZbIWv9SiemwNruvZ68nlNFiCNYyoSJQ0cOpwD7cRbS41ZmvbgA_5ouq17MsxaVSJcfrHfEOznP8Th4WKn4gVaIV4blJMYDQ4J-pN/s1600/Consistency.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIciCpJprMUaz7gsXwz0eUlkwtptrqyAjBwwdBk70ZbIWv9SiemwNruvZ68nlNFiCNYyoSJQ0cOpwD7cRbS41ZmvbgA_5ouq17MsxaVSJcfrHfEOznP8Th4WKn4gVaIV4blJMYDQ4J-pN/s200/Consistency.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I thought I'd put the upper left hand blog counter in perspective as to its intent, objective, risks, etc.<br />
<br />
As I mention in the video, I'm considering it a summer game of sorts to help maintain current momentum and keep sloppiness from creeping in.<br />
<br />
Further, here are some tips on keeping current personal momentum going:<br />
<br />
Try to identify what you're doing right. <br />
<em>After all, something is clearly working & you'll need to duplicate it.</em><br />
<br />
Don't listen to anyone else or let them get you off your game.<br />
<em>Keep in mind most traders lose and misery loves company. Make them do it solo, and remember that <strong>they're</strong> the speculator and <strong>you're</strong> the casino.</em><br />
<br />
View the "pre-momentum period" as if it never happened.<br />
<em>You think Kobe or Tiger ever believed they missed a shot when taking the next one?</em><br />
<br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ThQGfn2sF9I&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ThQGfn2sF9I&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-32002504551347677922010-06-27T07:49:00.019-04:002010-06-27T15:23:29.263-04:00The Weekend Trader Part 2 - Viewer's Choices<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9sGeap-X1PaV0gHYwWWbCSMjiDkg3tCUElkAyyC9_GV8uIC3Wy5_VcJR_OB3Z_J1zj60W056d6YaUIskq4wW4zSZA7tF7FNq5wWOOLiDGf6w0hMVVdP0Wl8HYHpQmxR1XE3nll7YORJsj/s1600/Top5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9sGeap-X1PaV0gHYwWWbCSMjiDkg3tCUElkAyyC9_GV8uIC3Wy5_VcJR_OB3Z_J1zj60W056d6YaUIskq4wW4zSZA7tF7FNq5wWOOLiDGf6w0hMVVdP0Wl8HYHpQmxR1XE3nll7YORJsj/s200/Top5.jpg" width="200" /></a>As this journal reaches its second birthday, and both traffic <em>(+20% in last month per Alexa.com)</em> and twitter <em>(</em><a href="http://twitter.com/millerdon"><em>twitter.com/millerdon</em></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1085184180"></span><span id="goog_1085184181"></span><em> followers at 600+)</em> are once again spiking, I thought it would be helpful to provide a snapshot of the top onlooker visited posts as ranked by Google Analytics <em>(which excludes my personal visits).</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>All-Time:</strong><br />
<br />
#1 - <a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2008/07/cornerstone.html">Cornerstone</a> - The 7/4/08 "fictitious drawdown" light bulb post that was one of the main reasons I launched the blog, and which became a central theme of my trading during the record 08-09 runs. <em>By far, this is the most often referenced link, outpacing #2 by about 4-1.</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">#2 - <a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2009/01/special-post-chinese-bamboo-tree.html">Chinese Bamboo Tree</a> - One of the most powerful concepts I've been exposed to in my 49 years, which has had a profound impact on me in recent years<em>. It's also incredibly listed #5 in the <strong>world</strong> if you Google "Chinese Bamboo Tree".</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">#3 - <a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2008/12/final-2008-post-night-to-dance.html">A Night to Dance</a> - The 2008 Year-End post which was always designed more to motivate others than tout my personal victory. <em>And yes, I visit it on occasion when I need that confidence boost.</em></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">#4 - <a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2009/01/special-post-final-cme-pricing-thoughts.html">CME Pricing Thoughts</a> - An analysis restating 2008 results for non-CME member rates. <em>See below for a better and more up-to-date analysis.</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>#5 - <a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2008/12/special-post-2008-statistics.html">2008 Statistics</a> - A rare in-depth look into a professional trader's detailed trading stats for a full year. <em>Likely the only time you'll see such a public analysis due to confidentiality and industry mis-use.</em><br />
<br />
<strong>Top 2010</strong><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(If Not Included Above)</span>:</em><br />
<br />
#1 - <a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2010/03/tuesday-notes-moneyshow-interviews.html">MoneyShow Interviews</a> - Links for the four MoneyShow.com interviews I gave just before speaking at this year's NY Trader Expo.<br />
<br />
#2 - <a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2010/02/special-post-comprehensive-e-mini.html">E-Mini Commission Analysis</a> - An in-depth analysis I did to compare various trader commission alternatives verified by MF Global and the CME. <em>To my knowledge, the only place you'll find such an analysis on the web, so take advantage of my legwork to avoid having to do your own.</em><br />
<br />
#3 - <a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2010/02/430pm-et-livestream-tv-broadcast.html">Replay of 2010 NY Expo Presentation</a> - A Livestream replay of pertinent portions of the Feb 2010 presentation to a packed house in NY.<br />
<br />
#4 - <a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2010/05/thursday-notes-theres-no-crying-in.html">There's No Crying in Trading</a> - Personal perspectives and bruises immediately after the 5/6 flash crash. <em>Also the #1 ranked video and most accessed day of the year.</em><br />
<br />
#5 - <a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2009/09/tuesday-pm-notes-keys-to-castle.html">Keys to the Castle</a> - Critical lessons from the <a href="http://www.donmillereducation.com/24712.html">inaugural Jellie team participants</a>. <em>A must-read due to (1) my personal conviction, and (2) as stated by the flood of emails I received.</em><br />
<br />
And a reminder that a list of key posts which I believe should be of particular note for all traders can be found in the lower left-hand margin.<br />
<br />
If you're new to this site, welcome.<br />
<br />
If you've been with us since we started, remember that repetition can be a good thing.<br />
<br />
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-51827673849460964642010-06-26T08:29:00.007-04:002010-06-27T08:02:34.905-04:00The Weekend Trader Part 1 - Time to Sling It<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MhUoT-hkw86zqMk9QYBk7Q_6Agi3Pdi_AMpJK5Fq8Ya2CDNTS94SLHw7UYbpPKo7cQguysNkiNKwxOuyFCRBOJXEHIJgrttLO5Osjwvo3fbdACKG9copoGQQPVHza4vGCgw8o0_hjtNK/s1600/Brady+vs+RAms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MhUoT-hkw86zqMk9QYBk7Q_6Agi3Pdi_AMpJK5Fq8Ya2CDNTS94SLHw7UYbpPKo7cQguysNkiNKwxOuyFCRBOJXEHIJgrttLO5Osjwvo3fbdACKG9copoGQQPVHza4vGCgw8o0_hjtNK/s320/Brady+vs+RAms.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It was February 3, 2002.<br />
<br />
There was 1:21 left on the clock, the game was tied, the underdog team with the rookie quarterback named "Brady" had the ball on their<strong><span style="color: #990000;"> own</span></strong> 17 year line, and the NFL championship was on the line.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Everyone expected Brady to play conservatively and not make a costly error deep in his territory so they could take their chances in overtime. <br />
<br />
Even "expert" commentator John Madden told the viewing millions that he should simply play it safe and run out the clock.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>We all know the how the story ended, as Tom Brady quarterbacked one of the greatest Super Bowl drives ever to win Super Bowl XXXVI.<br />
<br />
What some may not know, is the advice that Drew Bledsoe <em>(for whom Tom had taken over during the season after a devastating injury)</em> gave Tom on the sidelines just before beginning that drive.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>He told Tom to "go out there and sling it".<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Now while there are conflicting versions of the story -- including a more "colorful" version in terms of vocabulary and another one that suggested Drew was just kidding -- there can be no doubt that Drew was telling Tom to simply stay loose and execute.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Fast forward to June 26, 2010, and I need to heed the same advice.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2QgE22FTT-gkbjYqYwCYu0ZLZzSHkLG1Aw8ufC-ozqFFjbrdOgRkeM-2blCOUTPSBfJ6ARPrv-M3Mjds7jpfE0Agruzke-1gfpfYnvwPTr9vzj-NFvRmVy-8E287z_OEqKQr4-1F-7Y-/s1600/011205_Brady-Bledsoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2QgE22FTT-gkbjYqYwCYu0ZLZzSHkLG1Aw8ufC-ozqFFjbrdOgRkeM-2blCOUTPSBfJ6ARPrv-M3Mjds7jpfE0Agruzke-1gfpfYnvwPTr9vzj-NFvRmVy-8E287z_OEqKQr4-1F-7Y-/s320/011205_Brady-Bledsoe.jpg" /></a>For as I get ready to close Q2 and wipe the slate clean once again, the record shows that the last two quarters have been one of my more "interesting" stretches in terms of trying to effectively balance capital conservation and growth. It's a challenge that for obvious reasons comes later in one's trading career for those that have figured out this game.</div><br />
For there are many phases in one's trading career, beginning with the huge learning curve and capital draining period that all must go through, yet few get past. Then, for the minority who do indeed weather the initial storm, one enters the fairly consistent phase where it's all about capital growth ... which at times will be rampant.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
And then there's the later stage, where capital preservation becomes as important, if not more so, than growth. We'll call that the "Don" phase.<br />
<br />
It's a phase that has done in many successful traders, including -- as I mentioned the other day -- possibly even Jesse Livermore, who was rumored to have lost it all after having been the focal point for what is considered one of the greatest trading books ever published, "Reminiscences of a Stock Operator". <br />
<br />
<em>btw, I completely disagree on his comment about not focusing on the small gains, yet this was printed well before market liquidity and full electronic access was as it is today ... but that's a topic for another time.</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Those who have followed my journey well before this blog was introduced -- going back to the late 1990s -- can likely see such progression in my writings over the years as I first spoke out very publicly about the huge initial learning and capital draining periods that I'd experienced<em> (in part to again try to offset the ridiculous hype and scams prevalent at that time),</em> to focusing on the simple methods that allow for capital growth <em>(TradingMarkets days)</em> that I still use to this day, to periods of personal parabolic equity growth, to the current phase of needing to balance preservation and growth.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And while I recognize many onlookers -- perhaps the majority of them -- are working through one of the first two phases, well ... I'm simply at where I'm at.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">They say you learn something every year in this business, and this year has taught me that while you'll face "different" challenges later in your trading career, they're <strong><span style="color: #990000;">every bit</span></strong> as challenging as those which you first encountered in those early days of frustration and sleepless nights.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawtPo1Mz5Oqa_vjXM1sD4GZb5c77-nCJf9L3JTx7dtqOjufgxp-jmmNzvJvUpGt9gys98G7iANK_Xwo4I8wnBaTHdF5lNKXtUByspk3YyQXQuBwxnHB-GyaV9CzK9XW5qLQZCuVkMWy9e/s1600/761ice_cubes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawtPo1Mz5Oqa_vjXM1sD4GZb5c77-nCJf9L3JTx7dtqOjufgxp-jmmNzvJvUpGt9gys98G7iANK_Xwo4I8wnBaTHdF5lNKXtUByspk3YyQXQuBwxnHB-GyaV9CzK9XW5qLQZCuVkMWy9e/s200/761ice_cubes.jpg" width="200" /></a>Now I recognize that balancing growth with capital preservation is an issue at every stage in one's trading career. It's just that their weightings shift as you age and plan for retirement ... just as they would with any effective portfolio management strategy as one ages.</div></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And I've found that effectively balancing the two has been one of my toughest challenges ever.<br />
<br />
For what began as the self-described "Year of the Iceberg" became at times "Year of the Ice Cube" as I too often alternated using the accelerator and brake as I tried to find the right mix.<br />
<br />
Our former NFL quaterback Jellie <em>(still with us btw and showing some solid consistency) </em>refers to it as playing "not to get injured" ... which as he states, is simply the best way to<strong><span style="color: #990000;"> get</span></strong> injured.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Yet too many times, I found myself overusing the brakes. In fact, if you were "driving" behind me in a virtual sense this year, you'd likely have seen my tail lights on ... even while I was driving 60 mph.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSRnSdxei6B7Ih_VR68Su6A5eQd47jecdo2ultz1YeIxpFtQCNzdFyFhd1gqqsJNpK_uUBZGiBxlH_UPOX0kDOw_O_JWJHsERl5WiLZJWL8xitm6o9l5Vq2EPBT9KfD7la9hKdKIsm8Nf/s1600/40178Parking_and_Brake_Lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSRnSdxei6B7Ih_VR68Su6A5eQd47jecdo2ultz1YeIxpFtQCNzdFyFhd1gqqsJNpK_uUBZGiBxlH_UPOX0kDOw_O_JWJHsERl5WiLZJWL8xitm6o9l5Vq2EPBT9KfD7la9hKdKIsm8Nf/s200/40178Parking_and_Brake_Lights.jpg" width="200" /></a>Yet just as the end of Q2 for me was about establishing and reinforcing consistency, confidence, and capital after the flash crash<em> (check, check, and check)</em>, my goal for Q3 will be to loosen things up a bit.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>For after yet another helluva personal comeback, the score is once again tied and the game is on the line.<br />
<br />
It's time to stop playing for overtime and go for the win.<br />
<br />
It's time to sling it.Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-61454714449913689222010-06-24T17:20:00.002-04:002010-06-24T17:32:40.617-04:00Thursday Notes - Act Like You've Been ThereIn today's video, I remind all of us that long stretches of consisently positive results as I'm currently experiencing should be considered the norm ... and <strong><span style="color: #990000;">not</span></strong> the unexpected. It's simply our job, and after years in this business, we <strong><span style="color: #990000;">should </span></strong>be able to distinguish wholesale vs. retail every day.<br />
<br />
As for those in this industry who try to glorify this business via high fives when a successful trade occurs, they're simply rah-rah casino dealers continuing to mislead those pursuing this business as a serious, well "<strong><span style="color: #990000;">business</span></strong>". <br />
<br />
Want excitement, disappointment, and entertainment? Go to Vegas. <em>And don't forget to add budgeted gambling losses when you estimate travel and food.</em><br />
<br />
Want to run a highly profitable business?<br />
<br />
Work your a$$ off hour by hour, day by day, and year by year, don't go for home runs, and expect consistent success to be the norm.<br />
<br />
After all, you own the dang casino.<br />
<br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/b715kBNU1yo&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/b715kBNU1yo&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-42241744974112752032010-06-23T11:38:00.016-04:002010-06-23T12:31:05.091-04:00Wednesday Notes - MATD Open<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While we wait for FOMC action this afternoon, here's a glimpse of this morning's MATD trade as narrated live inside the tank. <em>Click to view; Note I've excluded comments from the Jellies for privacy purposes, and the Globex session short bias played out prior to the U.S. regular session open. </em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some of the shorthand can be found in last year's <a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2009/10/monday-notes-jellie-dictionary.html">Jellie acronymn dictionary post</a>.</div><br />
<em>Note "TMAR" isn't listed and means "Take the money and run", "TD" means "Tick Divergence", "LOD" means "Low of Day" (<span style="color: #990000;">after</span> the blood has been spilled), and "TUB" means "Trust Until Broken". And if you've been in a cave for the last few years, "MATD" stands for the "Morning after a Trend Day", which provides one of the most consistent sources of revenue for this trader.</em><br />
<br />
As always, my preference is to be flat during any scheduled news announcement, which in this case was sandwiched around the two highlighted sequences.<br />
<br />
A full description of all MATD strategies can be found in the <a href="http://www.donmillereducation.com/6001.html">Jellie Webinars</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiDaN0RCkmglvuTvcUzOYbWLi8J-imH0Z7aH5HO0K3_SWWsw7ysDuIOqlnl7hev5AejAkmFcNUN7NA7ENSGaFAeBhD7baWSKd49ZTyXtZju0nRGv_QfgSz69AAZMY2jc3DU36GrvxSFEQ/s1600/June23Open.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiDaN0RCkmglvuTvcUzOYbWLi8J-imH0Z7aH5HO0K3_SWWsw7ysDuIOqlnl7hev5AejAkmFcNUN7NA7ENSGaFAeBhD7baWSKd49ZTyXtZju0nRGv_QfgSz69AAZMY2jc3DU36GrvxSFEQ/s400/June23Open.gif" width="400" /></a></div>Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-37513121439852965292010-06-22T13:07:00.001-04:002010-06-22T13:17:22.013-04:00Mon & Tues Notes - High Tide<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oZ37CoVKSHxbkIz2txINH6yiGdhdNKzL_jGIkQpyQelhibMRI4gHsrrrmbaIjc2Fjovq34SJ7mN3JlUDkRPtFP9s4mAUB3d9ViuPA7uwO2Aj-a2PTuVX6-yASHDyx6wKa-HuXCS52STc/s1600/high+tide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oZ37CoVKSHxbkIz2txINH6yiGdhdNKzL_jGIkQpyQelhibMRI4gHsrrrmbaIjc2Fjovq34SJ7mN3JlUDkRPtFP9s4mAUB3d9ViuPA7uwO2Aj-a2PTuVX6-yASHDyx6wKa-HuXCS52STc/s320/high+tide.jpg" /></a></div>I dread these sorts of posts.<br />
<br />
For when my trading is going well, my preference is usually to simply remain silent.<br />
<br />
Yet since this journal remains to a large extent ... well, my <span style="color: #990000;">journal</span>, I suppose I need to make some mention of my personal trading as of late.<br />
<br />
First, I'll start with the negative. I've left a lot of money on the table in recent weeks -- <em>which should keep my humility in check</em> -- as the result of playing a great deal of defense. And anyone following sports knows when you play defense, the scores tend to be lower.<br />
<br />
Yet the reward of playing strong defense is that I haven't been "scored upon" for a while. A long while. Over 20 days of "while".<br />
<br />
And as much as I dread typing these words <em>(call it superstitious or simply not wanting to upset current personal rhythms)</em>, I haven't had a loss in over 20 days.<br />
<br />
OK, I said it ... so let's focus on the lessons.<br />
<br />
For I fully admit that these six weeks have been tough for me from a trading perspective ... and for a number of reasons.<br />
<br />
First, the <a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2010/05/thursday-notes-theres-no-crying-in.html">May 6 flash crash</a> hit took me below a trailing equity "reassessment" stop that I'd had in place for a long while. Frankly, it was the first time I'd dropped below an increasing trailing account stop in years.<br />
<br />
Now one could argue the stop was too tight -- which may be true, although the older I get and the less need I have to risk capital, the tighter it will probably get. <em>Keep in mind at this point in my life, I don't "need" to trade, unless my life expectancy suddenly increases to 120 or so.</em><br />
<br />
Yet the reason I call it a "reassessment" stop -- which the Jellies know should define <strong>EVERY</strong> trading sequence stop one has in the market -- is that it would trigger a reassessment to avoid an Archie Karras (real) or Jesse Livermore (rumored) type of major long term capital meltdown.<br />
<br />
And frankly, for me to fall <strong><span style="color: #990000;">$60K</span></strong> off my equity highs -- <strong><span style="color: #990000;">even</span></strong> for the seven figure account size I have -- would be of tremendous significance for this trader given my extremely consistent record over the years. Essentially, it would signal that something is "wrong".<br />
<br />
We of course know that the only thing "wrong" was a 20 minute once-in-a-lifetime market liquidity failure where minutes literally separated a +$60K day from a -$60K day, yet rules are rules, and so it still required that I step back to reassess in a way that I've never really had to do.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And so I kept walking hour by hour, day by day ... yet clearly at less than 100% mental and confidence levels.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nl4RUhhM4wLRzHQ7IKoH-gCfKYGIL_L2zZrSndCk4VAwXyO1_Kd66uvC_aP55CNkVQKiQrSwull2HU8v6SVIr61wdBmV2OR6zI4yuviBJEn0ifLOIxCs5a5RtC0aNpq6nwpTOn4M9yxc/s1600/fish+oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nl4RUhhM4wLRzHQ7IKoH-gCfKYGIL_L2zZrSndCk4VAwXyO1_Kd66uvC_aP55CNkVQKiQrSwull2HU8v6SVIr61wdBmV2OR6zI4yuviBJEn0ifLOIxCs5a5RtC0aNpq6nwpTOn4M9yxc/s320/fish+oil.jpg" /></a>My goal during this time? Simply to build back the confidence by establishing <strong><span style="color: #990000;">rock-solid</span></strong> consistency over a period of time.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Another reason the last six weeks have been a challenge is given the number of personal events in my life -- most notably the recent graduation and celebratory events, which while being wonderful for many reasons, have adversely affected my focus at times.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><em>Yet speaking of focus, I've discovered some tangible benefits to beginning an Omega-3 and Omega-6 program lately, which has resulted in better sleep, more vivid dreams, and greater sustained trading focus over the course of the day. So I suppose I should give some credit for the last few weeks to the folks from Nature's Bounty.</em><br />
<br />
Yet here we are on this third day of summer and all seems as it should be.<br />
<br />
The tourists and resulting traffic are arriving on the Cape right on queue, the weather is warming, and the trades are flowing alongside the tide.<br />
<br />
And while I know the tide will shift over time, I'm going to try my darndest to stay on the board and ride this developing wave as long as possible.Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-54050253425570099072010-06-20T11:02:00.010-04:002010-06-20T11:28:49.068-04:00The Weekend Trader - Raising the Sails<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOSpq-uHZUS2xK2PC-tdPdq1TuA2-W4l91L7-t5nSQV96kdamDAlqtNl_2-cAkaDXqyOlrek36mBOCjO5z7_rsWG8eKsvKSmDyoRt5PQ-OezQYnkEa1oHw6KbyRCuXiX73k5HwjyalSpC/s1600/palomar-mile-marker-428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOSpq-uHZUS2xK2PC-tdPdq1TuA2-W4l91L7-t5nSQV96kdamDAlqtNl_2-cAkaDXqyOlrek36mBOCjO5z7_rsWG8eKsvKSmDyoRt5PQ-OezQYnkEa1oHw6KbyRCuXiX73k5HwjyalSpC/s320/palomar-mile-marker-428.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On the heels of <a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2010/06/wednesday-notes-getting-restless.html">Wednesday's "Getting Restless" post</a>, and as I approach several mile markers over the coming weeks and look to the next phase of my trading & life -- <em>and at the risk of sounding a bit like "always but never retiring" Brett Favre</em> -- I can't help but again wonder if this public trading journal has run its course.<br />
<br />
Such a question also comes at a time where I wonder where my true focus should lie as I get ready to enter a new phase in my life.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Whether you call it a mid-life reassessment<em> (I refuse to use the word "crisis", as it clearly isn't)</em> or some other term, the fact is that I'm about to reach several mile markers which are getting closer to the end of the road than the beginning.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>I had a similar feeling about a year ago. <em>Instead of duplicating the content here, I'll simply direct you to </em><a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2009/07/friday-notes-another-journey-begins.html"><em>last summer's post</em></a><em> of similar reassessment as focus shifted for a brief period from self to group.</em><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I've always told myself that I'd keep blogging as long as I felt it was helpful. And as I look back at two years of writing<em>,</em> I feel I've fully accomplished my initial goal of open and candidly sharing the ongoing challenges, successes, and stumbles of a bona-fide trader in this performance-driven field. For such was always my goal, from that <a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2008/07/out-of-hiding.html">day when I ended my self-imposed exile</a> from public view to this very moment.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's all here, with many of the highlights listed in the Key Post list in the lower left hand margin.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And I <span style="color: black;">mean </span><span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">all</span></strong>, with specific and purposeful emphasis on the</span><span style="color: #990000;"> </span>occasional pain, disappointment, frustration, burn-out, and momentary <em>(but long forgotten)</em> October '08 and May '10 daggers to at least <strong><span style="color: #990000;">try </span></strong>to offset the forever-rampant industry hype.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Yet most of all, this blog was intended to be a documentation of the human spirit. A formal record showing how, with the grace and strength from God and support of others, we can strive to overcome life's imperfections.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPgPNcBzG3QipL7W8eShjfNyw97f718djDlnBuwHgRzK-S0Ptrv-1VWC1Mpqw_BSeA8mghr9en6FKlqxtPSvruv45fcB2enZ2bfNA9pVQw6vX7-gD_zEZkWZ5ZAzoy17EfSPMNFbUJjpT/s1600/fighter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPgPNcBzG3QipL7W8eShjfNyw97f718djDlnBuwHgRzK-S0Ptrv-1VWC1Mpqw_BSeA8mghr9en6FKlqxtPSvruv45fcB2enZ2bfNA9pVQw6vX7-gD_zEZkWZ5ZAzoy17EfSPMNFbUJjpT/s320/fighter.jpg" /></a></div>How else can we explain one trader coming off the mat again and again and again -- <span style="color: #990000;"><strong><em>and again </em></strong>-- </span><span style="color: black;">to overcome his humanity and achieve what some might consider the improbable on a sustained basis?</span><br />
<br />
How else can we explain Chelsea's incredible story of managing a daily life-threatening situation to overcome the odds and accomplish more in 18 years than many do in 90.<br />
<br />
And as I approach various markers over the coming days -- including the 2 Year anniversary of the blog, 1 Year anniversary of the <a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2009/06/weekend-trader-bamboo-shoots.html">Boston Bamboo Trader's Picnic</a>, 1 Year anniversary of the <a href="http://www.donmillereducation.com/24712.html">Jellie launch</a>, Chelsea's graduation party & 18th birthday (both yesterday), and beginning of our empty nest years -- I'm convinced more than ever that in our case, part of our mission is to inspire others to never give up on life.<br />
<br />
Not only not giving up on life, but living it abundantly and to our fullest potential.<br />
<br />
For as in this video which I first posted last July, life at times is going to do its best to shake us to our very core. The winds and rains will come -- hard -- and try to drown our strength and motivation. Some will even revel in seeing us flounder.<br />
<br />
Yet as Truman did, perhaps it's simply our job to hold onto that rope and raise the sails so God's wind can direct us to that open door. <em>And we all have the rope burns to prove it.</em><br />
<br />
So long this remains our mission and there's more to share, the virtual blog pen will remain in hand.<br />
<br />
And if life's sails direct us otherwise? We'll try our best to go where the wind carries us.<br />
<br />
Happy Father's Day.<br />
<br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zBu9l_EKWVs&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zBu9l_EKWVs&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-73109028618340142182010-06-18T12:59:00.011-04:002010-06-18T18:57:00.656-04:00Friday Notes - Pursuit of Excellence<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wojAd5Di4f4geNFloO1T3sOY315aMJxh428cTOHne7N574Gn2ukPO3FTn2TncJ7q2HBRgUhL0kO-DxcJwyATqUMFavOqAA0pAj5RJiTbeJ45XtzRTwMIQXdRhNLLM-L3DYqD4wNvQCB2/s1600/InPursuitExcellence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wojAd5Di4f4geNFloO1T3sOY315aMJxh428cTOHne7N574Gn2ukPO3FTn2TncJ7q2HBRgUhL0kO-DxcJwyATqUMFavOqAA0pAj5RJiTbeJ45XtzRTwMIQXdRhNLLM-L3DYqD4wNvQCB2/s320/InPursuitExcellence.jpg" /></a><span style="color: #990000;">6:54PM Update - Duhhh ... I forgot to wish all the Dads out there a Happy Father's Day!! Plus, a reminder to check out <a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2010/06/thursday-notes-email-bag.html">Thursday's post</a>, which was posted late into the night.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">While I promise this will be among the last posts on recent graduation events at this end, I can't help but AGAIN see trading parallels in the attached video clip of the Dennis-Yarmouth senior student gathering (held the day before the official graduation ceremony).</div><br />
<em>And when I see life's trading parallels, regardless of "who" it's about, I post away.</em><br />
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Now for a moment, I ask that you view the attached completely forgetting the "who", and instead focus on the "what" ... which is the only reason I'm posting this in a trading journal.<br />
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Trading lessons? Listen to principal Ken Jenks as he describes (1) what it took for the top two students to accomplish what they did <em>(hint: count how many times he references "hard work"!),</em> and (2) how the top five students all remained extremely close as friends as their "competitive friendship" and healthy "peer pressure" inspired and pushed each other to attain their own personal best. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #990000;">Jellies, please pay attention to that last comment!</span></strong><br />
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And so it is with this intensely performance-driven & zero-sum business called trading.<br />
<br />
As Ken said, "Excellence is not about natural talent ... that gives you an edge. But in the end, excellence is ALWAYS about hard word. It's a simple formula, yet it's incredibly difficult to put into action. Excellence is no accident ... it's not a lucky occurrence."<br />
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Hard work and pushing each other to attain our personal best.<br />
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Words we should all live by.<br />
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Including this trader and author.<br />
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<em>Note that the video was recorded via aiming the camera at the TV as it was played locally, so the quality isn't as great as normal ... but the substance remains.</em><br />
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<object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/J7QW8i-REnY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/J7QW8i-REnY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-47358326991097889462010-06-17T23:55:00.017-04:002010-06-18T08:40:36.175-04:00Thursday Notes - EMail Bag<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-a8feEvaaOnOvURLz5HrZCH3WCnljjttge64LjiOFJNdqPnkvnwUlXgVCLAY4Vl5hsSAomo8YYBnQlAkW9zc5GF3YZvSILQdIr7NOdpw7c5BS_jBMsyiZgt3TlLGsXVn94ugPu6xjhWY/s1600/email.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-a8feEvaaOnOvURLz5HrZCH3WCnljjttge64LjiOFJNdqPnkvnwUlXgVCLAY4Vl5hsSAomo8YYBnQlAkW9zc5GF3YZvSILQdIr7NOdpw7c5BS_jBMsyiZgt3TlLGsXVn94ugPu6xjhWY/s200/email.bmp" width="180" /></a></div>A few things late on a Thursday night.<br />
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<strong>E-Mails</strong> - Most of the best "conversations" I have with traders come via phone, as well as the dozens of emails I receive weekly. So from time to time, I'll try to post a few emails and responses of some of the more pertinent ones ... while keeping the names private for obvious confidential reasons.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #990000;"><em>Question - I'm reading your blog every day, it's a great source of motivation and inspiration. There's a question I have regarding, as you said, "at the end to not overcomplicate this business". I came across a "professional" trader (he has been working on several trading desks in prop trading with various institutions), who basically says, that you need to learn and understand market profile, volume delta and order flow to be successful in trading the eminis ... otherwise you are at a serious disadvantage against all the pro traders out there. I would be very glad to hear your opinion on this. P.J.</em></span></div><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><em>Response - While I respect other traders' opinions, that's totally hogwash. I've never used it, never needed it, and have no desire to change. Don</em></span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Follow-Up - As I've often said, there are many ways to essentially "see" the same info. I simply choose ... well, simplicity, and Market Profile -- while used effectively by many traders -- easily falls into the "TMI" category at this end. If your trading isn't going well, it most likely <strong><span style="color: #990000;">isn't</span></strong> the tool or instrument. A violin is a violin ... some simply play it better than others. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgqugRVD1UXHJksoCh2EHTQHCi21YjO2Ef599XrJqa404geNORl1W0lj_0aCNgsWtGT-HKouf1AsZRYzZB1gvAEDasXUZj-BKdr7eEmtUnUPxc80nW6mB4Rualzx4CSFXuhIehnEyFoe4/s1600/chat.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgqugRVD1UXHJksoCh2EHTQHCi21YjO2Ef599XrJqa404geNORl1W0lj_0aCNgsWtGT-HKouf1AsZRYzZB1gvAEDasXUZj-BKdr7eEmtUnUPxc80nW6mB4Rualzx4CSFXuhIehnEyFoe4/s200/chat.gif" width="200" /></a><em><span style="color: #990000;">Suggestion in response to </span></em><a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2010/06/wednesday-notes-getting-restless.html"><em><span style="color: #990000;">Wednesday's "Getting Restless" post</span></em></a><em><span style="color: #990000;"> - (Excerpt from longer email) - First though I feel a reticence because already your blog is the most open and insightful account of the business out there and you do it all for free. So really how can I shame facedly ask for more? Anyway, I have gotten over the past 1500 hrs screen time that there are lots of different ways to trade profitably, and that it takes time to discover what suits ones personality best. For me, this is part of the ongoing learning curve which I recognize has to be managed well or the tools of the trade, the capital, will disappear. </span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="color: #990000;">To be able to sit in a trading room for a couple of hours with yourself; see how you composed yourself,, what you looked at and thought, how you managed trades, what you did in the gaps to stay focused, all that sort of stuff. Not to call out trades, or tell traders what to do, or even answer questions, since I expect this would probably cause legal issues and affect your personal trading. Next to making one’s own mistakes and bit by bit learning to stop repeating them (!), that’s how I certainly would benefit. Payment by subscription to “the room” weekly or monthly would be one way to do it, since I’m not really sure what benefit you would get otherwise. A.R.</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="color: #990000;"></span></em> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="color: #38761d;">Response - Thanks. What you describe is essentially the live multi-week <a href="http://www.donmillereducation.com/6001.html">Jellie effort</a>, which I'll do again in the fall.</span></em> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="color: #38761d;"></span></em> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black;">Follow-Up - First, as I mentioned above, there are many ways to trade. <em>Remember, Rick Barry shot free throws underhanded!</em> 'Nuff said. Second, with respect to an ongoing room, I still at this time have no interest in a recurring pay chatroom, which is a completely different business plan intended to generate ongoing non-trading revenues for the owners. Not that there's anything wrong with them per se, <em>(yes, there <strong>are</strong> a few decent ones out there amidst the industry rubble),</em> it's just a very different business plan. A further complication is that since I believe in teaching self-sufficiency, doing so sort of flies in the face of such an objective.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">btw, if you're at all interested in the fall effort, please let me know now via email, as seats will again be limited and I plan on continuing them from time to time <span style="color: #990000;">only</span> if there's sufficient interest.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #990000;"><em>Feedback to </em></span><a href="http://donmillerjournal.blogspot.com/2010/06/tuesday-notes-peparing-for-matd.html"><span style="color: #990000;"><em>Tuesday's "Beach Tour" Video</em></span></a><span style="color: #990000;"><em> (Excerpt) - Anyway, the bottom line is I felt that your video tonight was one of the most inspirational pieces you’ve ever done. I am sure the background setting of the beaches of Cape Cod were a contributing factor, but you also quietly hit on some key points about trading, goals, life, etc… that really hit home with me. You’ve often said ‘trading is a lonely business’ and when you trade from the cave at home, there are plenty of times when you can easily lose site of the big picture quest that you’ve undertaken. Really – I’ve seen darn near everything you’ve ever put out. And it’s all damn good. But tonight's video, for me, takes the top position. I plan on watching it a few dozen times, so it sinks in more. And on Wednesday, when I get done trading, I am going to my beach – also about 2 miles away – called the Pacific Ocean. Thanks for the great idea. C.K.</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #990000;"><em> </em></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikY7dXe7XWoJ0mIGwQlCj0XwcKvEStrP2gkLP_X8fZIFa-AWxNrI1fFGGosbcOkG0K327lcMY2WSgyz0QvYABCmL8UC5P_hgkRd9VcSVlrLkL26ferupHzBm58fGOVWoaVjarw-DoucLmP/s1600/la_lakers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikY7dXe7XWoJ0mIGwQlCj0XwcKvEStrP2gkLP_X8fZIFa-AWxNrI1fFGGosbcOkG0K327lcMY2WSgyz0QvYABCmL8UC5P_hgkRd9VcSVlrLkL26ferupHzBm58fGOVWoaVjarw-DoucLmP/s200/la_lakers.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Just one of the many surprising (to me) responses to what I thought was simply a "change of pace" post. <br />
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<strong>Defense Wins Championships</strong> - And congrats to the Lakers, who learned this year that it's defense that wins championships against quality teams. In a game with hundreds of plays and a series with thousands, just <strong><span style="color: #990000;">two stops</span></strong> would have given the Celtics the championship. So true it is with trading as well, as for every mega-loss you avoid, that's one less comeback that you'll need to pursue, which can be so energy -- and capital -- draining.<br />
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<strong>Roosevelt Quote</strong> - Lastly, note the new Teddy Roosevelt quote recently added in the upper left hand margin:<br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000;">Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure ... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.</span></em> <br />
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Words of wisdom in this business for sure.</div>Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-56997198208559798822010-06-16T20:58:00.001-04:002010-06-16T21:01:16.754-04:00Wednesday Notes - Getting RestlessYes, it's that time again as I resurrect the possibility of trading and tracking a modest account in addition to my hedge-fund sized main account.<br />
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<em>Plus, a reminder at the end to <strong><span style="color: #990000;">not </span></strong>overcomplicate this business as we revisit the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8vP4cmXExRmgYP4z2RTXF83wLyixdBEz49kAEbaUSBrhYXAmDp6SfzX32Fb2sWplo_QLMhDcVtaeo7G3pvvTbUvQmixsjttiRFWLS0HtM_qcklLVko4lNaw4JT9zcoOuCv2JAzDYoY8D/s1600-h/Kind.jpg">NY Expo "crayon" slide</a> in terms of discussing today's successful MATD.</em><br />
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<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AzO7SoYIhOQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AzO7SoYIhOQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-89488861403432813792010-06-15T23:21:00.002-04:002010-06-16T20:48:48.016-04:00Tuesday Notes - Peparing for MATD"Preparing" for tomorrow's MATD and some reinforcing thoughts on traders "earning" their freedom ... which is no day at the beach despite the quick tour of my favorite unwinding spot.<br />
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<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/o6L7N1Ongis&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/o6L7N1Ongis&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-709390629316238746.post-37970484849101618892010-06-14T23:50:00.001-04:002010-06-15T06:51:12.748-04:00Monday Notes - Blog BreakPosts will resume on Tuesday.Don Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13263493919935087931noreply@blogger.com0