I. From the Perspective of the Thinking Characteristics of Enlightened Traders
1. Contrarian Thinking
- In the trading market, most investors often operate by following the mainstream emotions of the market. For example, when the market is generally bullish, they may blindly chase after rising prices. However, those who can attain enlightenment may adopt contrarian thinking. They are like people walking against the crowd; when everyone is frantically buying a stock, they believe the price is already too high, and risks are accumulating, so they choose to sell or stay on the sidelines. This way of thinking may be difficult for ordinary people to comprehend because they do not follow the crowd but instead calmly analyze the risks behind the market's overheated emotions.
- For example, during the real estate market bubble, ordinary investors saw prices continuously rising and, fearing they would miss out on profit opportunities, followed the trend to buy. In contrast, enlightened traders might notice potential issues such as market oversupply and price deviations from value, opting to sell properties or refrain from investment. This behavior, contrary to mainstream views, might make others feel they are 'abnormal,' but in reality, it is based on a profound understanding of market cycles and value.
2. Deep Thinking and Focus
- Traders who have attained enlightenment will engage in deep thinking about various market factors. They do not only focus on short-term price fluctuations but also study macroeconomic data, industry development trends, company fundamentals, and many other factors. For example, they spend a lot of time analyzing a company's financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement, to assess the company's true value.
- They focus on perfecting trading strategies and may repeatedly conduct historical data tests and simulated trading to optimize a small trading model. This level of focus and deep thinking may make them seem somewhat 'dull' in other aspects of life. For example, in social situations, they may not pay attention to entertainment gossip like others do but instead immerse themselves in thoughts about market trends, leading those around them to find their behavior strange.
3. Emotional Control and Rationality Above All
- The trading market is filled with uncertainty and volatility, which can easily lead to emotional fluctuations among investors. Enlightened traders can effectively control their emotions and maintain rationality. When the market is generally panicking and stock prices are plummeting, ordinary investors may hastily sell off their stocks out of fear. However, these enlightened traders can calmly assess the market situation and seek out undervalued high-quality assets.
- For example, during the global financial crisis in 2008, the market was bleak, and many stocks plummeted. Ordinary investors hurriedly sold their stocks out of fear of further losses. However, some enlightened traders saw investment opportunities within this, remaining unaffected by the market's panic and becoming exceptionally calm. This different approach to emotional control may also be misunderstood as 'abnormal.'
II. From the Perspective of the Living Conditions of Enlightened Traders
1. A Simple Lifestyle
- Many enlightened traders lead a relatively simple life. They may not need to pursue material enjoyment and consumption upgrades like ordinary people. This is because they understand that trading profits are the primary source of their wealth, and excessive consumption could affect their trading mindset.
- For example, they may not frequently purchase luxury goods or change cars but rather lead a relatively frugal lifestyle. To others, this indifference towards material possessions may seem 'abnormal.' They are more willing to invest time and money in improving trading skills, learning financial knowledge, or conducting market research.
2. Unique Perception of Time
- These traders' perception of time often revolves around market trading hours. They may abandon normal routines to wait for the best trading opportunities. For example, when trading some international commodities, they may have to stay up late to monitor the opening times of European and American markets.
- Their leisure time may also relate to trading, as they might read financial books or attend industry seminars during holidays. This different approach to time management and utilization may lead those around them to feel that their lifestyle is 'abnormal.'
III. From the Perspective of Social Recognition and Understanding
1. The Conflict Between Niche Groups and Mainstream Views
- Traders who have attained enlightenment belong to a relatively niche group in society. Their trading philosophies and behaviors differ significantly from the general public's investment views. The public often tends to believe in rumors, follow trends, or engage in short-term speculation.
- For instance, many retail investors in the stock market tend to buy and sell stocks based on recommendations from stock analysts or rumors from friends. In contrast, enlightened traders rely on their own analysis and judgment, making their behavior appear out of place and 'abnormal' in the eyes of ordinary investors.
2. Misunderstandings Behind Success
- When they succeed in trading, those around them may misunderstand them because their path to success is different from their own. Their success may be based on long-term accumulation, strict risk control, and unique trading strategies, but ordinary people may only see the huge profits they have made without understanding the efforts and philosophies behind it.
- For instance, a trader who has attained enlightenment may develop a stable trading system through years of study and practice, amassing substantial wealth during a particular market cycle. People around them might feel jealous or unable to understand, believing that their wealth is obtained through luck or other improper means, thus perceiving them as 'abnormal.'
In fact, traders who attain enlightenment possess a unique way of thinking, behavior habits, and values within this specific field. Their 'abnormality' is often relative to the norms of the general public in trading cognition and behavior, but from a professional trading perspective, these traits may be key factors to their success.