Dear Trader,
As an undergrad, I studied comparative religion as part of my theology degree. One of my favorite stories is the famous Zen parable known as “The Empty Cup.”
In the story, a scholar visits a Zen master seeking wisdom. The master begins to pour tea into the scholar’s cup, continuing until the tea overflows. Shocked, the scholar protests, “Stop! The cup is full.” The master replies, “Like this cup, your mind is full of your own opinions and preconceptions. How can you learn unless you first empty your cup?”
For us as traders, this story serves as a reminder to approach the market with a clear, unbiased mind. Discipline and patience aren’t just about sticking to rules—they also mean letting go of fixed ideas, staying open to new information, and accepting that every experience (whether a win or a loss) is an opportunity to learn. Just as the empty cup can receive fresh tea, a disciplined trader cultivates a mindset that is receptive, adaptive, and calm under pressure.
Mindie Kniss, MFA, PhD is a High Performance Mindset Coach. 🧠 Trader. 💰 Bestselling author and publisher. 📚 Resources to help you create a more Lucra(tive) life are available at her website: Lucra.com
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