Doug Hirschhorn, a former Division I baseball player and commodities trader, has a Ph.D. in sport psychology. He is the coauthor of <em>The Trading Athlete</em> and has served as trading coach for Deutsche Bank, Schonfeld Securities and Balyasny Asset Management. He is currently a consultant for financial institutions, trading firms and hedge funds. E-mail him at headcoach@tradermonthly.com.

by Doug:

Ego Management
Section : High/Low
August/September 2005
Everyone has his own inner deity complex. Whether it's fuel for trading success or catalyst for destruction is entirely up to you.
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Snap Decisions
Section : High/Low
October/November 2005
Everyone knows the best-laid plans always seem to fall through -- which is why you'd better always be ready to call an audible.
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Mental Hazards
Section : High/Low
December 2005/January 2006
Every trader must eventually make a choice: Either distractions can control you and undermine performance -- or you can control them and unlock your full potential.
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Emotional Rescue
Section : High/Low
February/March 2006
Many so-called experts argue that the best traders in the world are steely, dispassionate and entirely able to wall off their feelings. Don't believe the hype.
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Just Play the Game
Section : High/Low
April/May 2006
Losses and cold streaks need not shake your confidence -- as long as you're making good decisions.
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The Enemy Within
Section : High/Low
June/July 2006
It's not the fear of failure that holds many great traders back -- it's the fear of success. Let's conquer some demons and take it to the next level.
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The Write Stuff
Section : High/Low
August/September 2006
Put down the charts and pick up a pen -- the time to start your trading journal is right now. Unless, of course, you're content with mediocrity.
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Not Missing a Thing
Section : High/Low
December 2006/January 2007
An overwhelming need to get in on the action can lead to overtrading. Sometimes the sidelines are the place to be.
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Play to Win
Section : High/Low
Feb/March 2007
A preoccupation with not losing money can hamper your ability to make it. Why fear of failure is a trader's worst enemy — and how to overcome it
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Play to Win
Section : High/Low
February/March 2007
A preoccupation with not losing money can hamper your ability to make it. Why fear of failure is a trader's worst enemy — and how to overcome it
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Just Eat It
Section : High/Low
April/May 2007
Anyone can make money. But how effective are you at losing it? Many traders fail to grasp this part of the game. It’s time to rediscover the lost art of taking losses By Doug Hirschhorn
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Not Missing a Thing
Section : High/Low
December 2006/January 2007
An overwhelming need to get in on the action can lead to overtrading. Sometimes the sidelines are the place to be
> read more

The Enemy Within
Section : High/Low
June/July 2006
It's not the fear of failure that holds many great traders back -- it's the fear of success. Let's conquer some demons and take it to the next level.
> read more

Just Play the Game
Section : High/Low
April/May 2006
Losses and cold streaks need not shake your confidence -- as long as you're making good decisions.
> read more

Hubris Kills
Section : High/Low
October/November 2006
Trade confidently, and chances are you'll be around to taste many a victory cigar. Trade overconfidently, however, and you'll surely get smoked.
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The Write Stuff
Section : High/Low
August/September 2006
Put down the charts and pick up a pen -- the time to start your trading journal is right now. Unless, of course, you're content with mediocrity.
> read more

Emotional Rescue
Section : High/Low
February/March 2006
Many so-called experts argue that the best traders in the world are steely, dispassionate and entirely able to wall off their feelings. Don't believe the hype.
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Vengeance Collar
Section : High Low
June/July 2007
Whether you realize it or not, sometimes trading becomes a revenge ploy. Avoid this trap — because in your zeal to get even, you might end up getting crushed.
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Vengeance Collar
Section : High Low
June/July 2007
Whether you realize it or not, sometimes trading becomes a revenge ploy. Avoid this trap — because in your zeal to get even, you might end up getting crushed.
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Just Eat It
Section : HIGHLOW
April/May 2007
Anyone can make money. But how effective are you at losing it? Many traders fail to grasp this part of the game. It’s time to rediscover the lost art of taking losses
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Hubris Kills
Section : High/Low
Oct/Nov 2006
Trade confidently, and chances are you'll be around to taste many a victory cigar. Trade overconfidently, however, and you'll surely get smoked.
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Profit Envy
Section : High/Low
September 2007
It's OK to want more. Just remember to focus on what you have — not what you don't. Otherwise you could end up with nothing.
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Preempting Panic
Section : High/Low
October 2007
When fear becomes hysteria and the skies go black, ask yourself: Can I keep my head when everyone else is losing his?
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Profit Envy
Section : High/Low
September 2007
It's OK to want more. Just remember to focus on what you have — not what you don't. Otherwise you could end up with nothing.
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Preempting Panic
Section : High/Low
October 2007
When fear becomes hysteria and the skies go black, ask yourself: Can I keep my head when everyone else is losing his?
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Gist of Fate
Section : High/Low
November 2007
Trading need not always be so complicated. The biggest key to keeping it simple is accepting one basic fact: You never know.
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The Right Stuff
Section : High/Low
February/March 2008
Most great traders have a specific style and approach to the markets — yet they all share some general traits.
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The Right Stuff
Section : High/Low
March/April 2008
Most great traders have a specific style and approach to the markets — yet they all share some general traits.
> read more