Mentor and Destiny

Right after a graduated from college in '96 I had the great opportunity to become a full time day trader.  It was right around the time SOES Bandits were becoming popular.  Went to a seminar with my buddy.  Saw $$$$ signs and pitched the idea to my dad.

He gave us $150K to trade with to give it a go.  Paper traded like a pro! lol

Real trading not so much. We traded in a room (office) of other traders. Most were just common Joe's, only one was a former professional trader with Bear Stern. We all tried to help each other, but most of what we did was chase price and momentum.  Scalped 1/8's mostly.

Did this for a year and lost only 10K.  All from commissions.  Needless to say we did not make it.  But the experience was invaluable.  I remember freezing once when I placed a short instead of buying a stock that was rocketing. My hand froze and my buddy had to take over from me.  Scared me shitless.

Roll on 15 years later...And three other professions, including my current catering business, I am back at the game I could not solve when I was much younger.

You see, my heart for it never left, only opportunity and timing.

Which brings me to a confluence of events that set in motion my destiny.

I, like most out there who is interested in trading and investing, scour the internet for like minded people.

I found StockTwits, which opened the door to many traders, ideas and blogs.  I first found the Kirk Report, which so happens was praising a bear blog unfamiliar to me, The Slope of Hope.

I checked it out, as it meshed with my market outlook and view at the time.  I was amazed to find so much more there.  There was an underworld of traders there with wit and wisdom. Wow! I had found a home! Tim Knight had created the single best place on the web for trader interaction!

I don't know if many of you feel the same way as I do, but most of my friends and family were not interested in stocks and  the markets, which left a void in my life.  I needed an outlet for my passion.

Slope of Hope provided this for me. It took awhile to post as I did not want to make an ass of myself.  (Oh well, done that many times now) But I finally ventured into the conversation. It took awhile to be embraced, but people came around and began engaging me in conversation.  I loved it.  One in particular caught my, and probably most of you as well, MarketSniper!

I have never come across in the real world or virtual world anyone else like him. At first, I thought is he real? But as time went on, I soon realized he is as real as they get.  I soon started to befriend him and ask for advice.  He told me you have to give to get, that is why he loves helping people.  Loved that mindset.

During this time, I was re-evaluating myself, career and path.  I had become numb to my business and did not see much upside. It was what it was, which was enough to pay the bills and support my family. I wanted to make a change.  I wanted to trade for a living, but I knew I was at best average and if honest with myself below average.

I took the plunge and emailed, MS, and he had some advice for me. "Forget about it, unless you have a phucking plan!" lol.  He does not mince words.  I like that. We talked about what it took to be a trader and what skill and mind set was needed.  He showed me a path, which included a plan for success. He sent me to a place where he had matured as a trader himself.  I took a weeks look at it and I knew it was for me. I am now enrolled.

My point to this is that none of this, none of what has happened to me would not be possible without destiny and a mentor.  Stocktwits, The Kirk Report, Slope of Hope were vital in finding my future, my Destiny. And I thank them all.