What a Japanese Proverb Can Teach Traders About Direction

Focus on Your Path: Trading Lessons from Japanese Wisdom

Another week of trading wrapped up.
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I love the markets and trading, but there’s something about the weekends…
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A chance to reflect, reset, and recharge without all the noise in preparation to go again on Monday. (I don’t know how you Crypto boys and girls can stay on point 24/7!)
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​If you get a chance to unwind in preparation for another busy trading week ahead, think about this…

DIRECTION NOT SPEED

Focus on direction, not speed.

I came across this post from Sahil Bloom on X recently, and while he probably wasn’t talking about trading… it’s so relevant to us.

How often do you catch yourself rushing the process? Chasing that equity curve goal as fast as possible, without really considering the path you’re on…

Ask yourself:

  • Is this strategy truly aligned with where I want to go?
  • Is my discipline solid, or am I just getting lucky and hoping?


It’s far better to slow down, audit where you’re heading, and make any necessary course corrections.

Running at full speed in the wrong direction only gets you further from where you want to be.

I also stumbled across this Japanese saying:

“If you get on the wrong train, get off at the nearest station. The longer it takes to get off, the more expensive the return trip will be.”

It’s spot on for trading.

If something doesn’t feel right, whether it’s your strategy, mindset, or process, don’t just “stick it out” for the sake of it.

Make the adjustments now.

Use those resources – time, focus, and energy to steer toward the right destination for you.