The AlphaMind Podcast is sponsored by The Society of Technical Analysts
Sept. 7, 2019

#14 Merritt Black discusses the harsh realities traders must embrace to help develop the consistency needed to succeed

#14 Merritt Black discusses the harsh realities traders must embrace to help develop the consistency needed to succeed

Merritt Black is Head of Proprietary Trading at US firm SMB futures. In this deep and very poignant interview, Merritt shares his reflections and thoughts on a wide array of themes and aspects about the realities of trading and the painful journey which can so often delight, but at times can also rip the very life from you.

Merritt does not hold back, he bares his soul in this interview, bringing up painful memories which were vital steps on his journey to trading success.  

This interview is so full of wisdom and insight for traders of all levels. New traders will learn so much which will inspire and support them, and will hear some of the harsh realities about trading which they must start to internalise and embrace if they are going to overcome the odds and succeed. Seasoned and experienced traders will resonate with much of what Merritt shares and can use this to contrast their own journeys in the on-going battle with self, ego and markets.

Some of the themes which arise include: The battle with self, developing your edge, looking at your successes to find your own source code, how true and deep confidence arise, recovering from failures, unrealistic expectations and misconceptions that there is a linear formulaic approach. The random nature of markets, being self-aware, developing self whilst also making it less about yourself and more about the markets. The pain of trading, how low and worthless trading can make you feel, recovering from those lows and growing stronger.  
You will be amazed at how much wisdom is shared in just 45 minutes. You may want to have a pen ready to take down notes, because you will learn things from this interview that will enable you to be wiser and smarter.