• Take stock of your human assets. Remember, you have important assets that don’t show up on the net worth statement. Education, experience, skills and knowledge are hard to put a dollar value on, but don’t overlook them as a resource. Talk to other traders about ways to use strengths and skills during this time of income change and in the future.
• Share the burden & ask for advice. During times of stress, the support of friends and acquaintances is critical. New traders, for example, have difficulty revealing their vulnerability and inexperience to more seasoned traders, but when they do, they open the door to receiving excellent advice. The same is true for those who are not marketplace professionals but need encouragement.
• Accept change and uncertainty (be flexible). Income changes require that we prepare for a journey of uncertainty. We often cling to the very things that hold us back. Traders who adjust well to change know when to hold on to a position and when to let go. Many of us grew up believing strength meant holding on, when it often takes more strength to let go and move on.
• Don’t forget your family. Trading, looking for a job or studying for a new career can be consuming, but even when things have gone bad — especially when things have gone bad — stay involved with your family and create stability at home. What’s good for the family is also good for you. In difficult times, new traders tend to take others for granted and forget to provide the attention they need and deserve. If necessary, make a strong conscious effort to pull together with family and work through tough times.
