I havent seen a thread that discusses our right brain vs left brain functions and how it relates to trading. I figured I would start it here so Dr. Janice can add her inputs as well.
When I first started trading, my trading was based strictly off my left brain. Now this seriously conflicted with the way I traded because I have always been a discretionary trader or a pure speculator. Right brain usage is a REQUIREMENT in discretionary trading.
Here is the breakdown between right vs left:
Left Brain
- Logical
- Sequential
- Rational
- Analytical
- Objective
- Looks at parts
Right Brain
- Random
- Intuitive
- Holistic
- Synthesizing
- Subjective
- Looks at wholes
While struggling as a developing trader, I realized I severely lacked functionality in my right brain because I had never quite used it. (this can clearly be seen in my drawings) However, I started to pick up books and audio tapes that dealt with expanding the right brain and applied it into practice.
In my case, writing down my thoughts and insights daily helped me tremendously to grow my right brain. Even since I created this site, by contributing I was able to further expand my creativeness. As a result, alot of my trading now is through my right brain.
What are some of the practices and techniques traders use to expand the left or right brain? When does your right or left brain kick in when you trade?
James