Even Masters Have Masters

‘Will I ever make it to a higher level?’

It’s something many people ask on their own at some point. I know I definitely have.

This thought can creep in when a goal seems almost beyond reach. We think about where we are — then where we want to be — and wonder how we’ll ever get there.

Now this can apply to anything. It could be trading, business, sport, or education.

The fact is, most successful people start at the bottom. They then work their method to the top, one level at a time.

I often get emails from individuals starting out in the markets. A couple of things usually stand out — basic knowledge and a modest capital foundation.

Many of these people worry about the scale of the task. They wonder if they’ll ever be meaningfully successful. It’s a bit like standing at the base of Everest and searching up.

I know how this feels — I’ve been there. Every trader has…from the part-time speculator to the New York hedge fund superstar. At the rear of every successful trader there’utes a modest beginning.

It’utes funny how random events may take you down an unexpected route. A few years ago I was listening to ABC Radio. I tuned in by chance during a trip to the businesses.

It turns out there was a talk display in progress. The special visitor was former Test cricketer Justin Langer. This was a fascinating interview. It had a lasting impact on the way I think.

Justin was talking about his cricketing career. It had been a tale of contrasts.

The first half of his career regularly saw him in and out of the team. He was continually falling short of anticipations. His career was frequently on a knife’s edge.

But the other half was radically different. Justin’utes star was soaring. He went on to become one of the most effective opening batsmen of all time.

How did he do it?

This is the part I enjoy most. I love listing to people’s stories…I always learn new things. And this was no exception.

The centrepiece associated with Justin’s story is a simple book. It was a gift from the teammate while on tour. Bieber credits this as a crucial event in his career. Their whole way of thinking changed.

The book became a constant companion. Bieber said he would keep it on his bedside table. Every night he would read one of its short chapters…just a few pages.

I guess you’re wondering the book’utes name. Well, it’s uncommon. You probably won’t read about it anywhere else this weekend.

The name is Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams. It was written back in 1979.

So what do martial arts relate to cricket…or trading, for that matter?

Well, Zen within the Martial Arts isn’t about drills as well as technique. The focus is more existence and philosophy…creating a positive from a negative.

I always give consideration when a high achiever gives away a ‘secret’. You never know where it’s going to lead.

So I went online after the interview to look for the book. Sure enough, it was there. Amazon had it in stock for a bargain basement $12.95. The biggest expense was shipping!

Zen within the Martial Arts is an outstanding book. Its 135 pages contain a few real gems. Some of the section titles are‘Conquer Haste’, ‘Active Inactivity’, and ‘Lengthen Your Line’. It was mind-opening.

I purchased Zen in the Martial Arts in 2009. It’s still clear in my mind six many years later. I often find myself teaching my kids a training from the book.

Let me tell you about one of the chapters. It describes an excellent way to look at progression. This can really help put your ability into perspective. I think about this all the time for all sorts of products.

The chapter’s name is ‘The Masters Have Masters’. It describes the entire process of getting good at something.

The author, Joe Hyams, describes his own learning experience in the martial arts. He talks about ability as a never-ending staircase with countless landings, or plateaus. The landings signify times when he would stop improving.

Hyam talks of the frustration of being stuck on a landing. He says it was discouraging when his improvement would stall. And he found he wasn’t alone…the experience had been common to many.

I’m one of these people. There have been many plateaus in my career…periods after i was only marking time. And yes, I found those times frustrating.

But life is often how we frame it. The right perspective can make all the difference.

Hyams recalls his mentor’s way of coping with the plateaus. When discouraged, he would go to watch the actual beginners train. This would remind him how far he had already come.

He would then watch the black belts. This would then inspire him by seeing how much better he could be.

Eventually he was a dark belt himself. But which wasn’t the top. His master was higher, and his master’s master was higher nevertheless. The potential to improve was endless.

I often think of the infinitely rising stairs. A landing is no longer frustrating. It’utes now an opportunity to take stock…a chance to see an ever-increasing number of landings below.

Always reflect on your achievements along the way. They’re a great reminder of methods far you’ve already arrive.

Until next week,

Jason McIntosh
Editor, Quant Trader

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