While spending some time on the new StockTwits desktop I came upon a tweet by Nick Fenton http://twitter.com/nickfenton that linked to an article about focus. I believe the ability to focus upon a task, whatever it might be, is the single most important factor in achieving excellence. On many occasions while involved in a trade or in research I have been so focused on my computer screens that I was completely unaware of what was happening around me. Sometimes it borders on mania, but I look at the folks I admire and it is the one trait I see in all of them. From Richard Feynman to Frank Zappa to Tiger Woods, the individuals who set themselves apart from their peers have an incredible ability to focus on a task. To folks to whom this characteristic is not innate it seems uncanny, even superhuman. I don’t believe this is true, I think you can train yourself to be focused, and I think if you wish to achieve a level of excellence in any endeavor you must.
How I maintain a level of focus
1) I do something I love
This is probably the easiest way to ensure your going to be able to focus on whatever you have chosen to do, make it something you love to do
2) Have a goal in mind, and keep a picture of it in your mind or on your desk at all times
To get to where I could do what I love for a living I had to study things that weren’t that interesting to me. But knowing that these things would lead to what I wanted made it possible to maintain my focus. While studying I used a mouse pad that has a picture of the NYSE on it. I also carry a small rock in my pocket all the time, it’s from the Black Sand Beach on the Hana Highway on Maui, a place my wife and I choose to spend much of our leisure time, it reminds me of what my work has allowed me to do, and it reminds me of things I want to do again, and having it in my pocket helps me focus.
3) When your ability to focus is challenged by circumstances or fatigue, have an inspiration you can go to
When I just could not get my head together and was losing focus I would read for a while about the folks I found inspirational. If available I would watch a video or movie about that person. It doesn’t have to be a person who’s even in the same field as your interest, just a person who perseveres in the face of obstacles or difficulties, who focuses on a goal with extreme clarity of purpose, and who achieves a level of excellence you find worthy of emulating.Here are a few of the folks who inspire me.
Morihei Uesheba – if you follow me on twitter or the Online Traders forum he is the man whose picture I use as an avatar. His book “The Art of Peace” and his martial philosophy (he is the founder of Aikido) have influenced my world view and personal philosophy more than any other individual except my father.
Richard Feynman – Nobel Laureate in Physics, prankster, bongo player, his life story is inspirational on too many levels to list here. Read “Surely You’re Joking Mr. Feynman” or google his name and you’ll find out. His incredible dedication to the principle of intellectual honesty led him to make incredible advances in Quantum Electrodynamics and discover the cause of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.
Bill Kazmaier – Quite possibly the strongest man who ever lived (Bill is still alive and at 55 is still a formidable individual) his level of focus is legendary, and he was able to achieve feats of strength that were far greater than any other strongman before him. His motto is Persist and Conquer, and that is what describes him. Here’s a link to a tribute to him:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVOMnwIz2SI
Luckily the field of choice for me, doesn’t involve 450kg dead lifts, taking on attacks from trained martial artists or working out quantum physics problems, but it does pit me against some of the smartest guys, and some of the most well funded institutions, in the world. The ability to focus, and dedicate my efforts to this specific task, trading securities, is the only edge I have. If you’re reading this, you’re probably a stock trader, and like me you’re probably not the smartest or the richest guy out there, but you still have to compete against these guys. The ability to focus can make up the difference, and lead to excellence. If the guy’s I mentioned above could do those things, I know I can compete and succeed in my chosen business by employing the maximum level of focus that I can manage.
Persist and Conquer
