Unlock Instant Focus with This Simple NLP Technique
The Thursday Trader's Tip edition offers to-the-point trading performance advice that can be read under 5 minutes.
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Ever had those days when your focus is razor-sharp, and you execute flawlessly?
But in the next session, you struggle to concentrate, second-guessing every move.
Focus feels unpredictable—sometimes it's there, sometimes it’s not. And when it vanishes, so does your edge.
Traders usually rely on external factors to ‘get in the zone’—the perfect morning routine, the right charting prep, the first trade going their way...
But what happens when those factors are missing?
You can’t afford to depend on chance to show up mentally prepared. The market doesn't wait for you to feel ready.
The Anchoring Technique
Your mind influences your body, but your body does the same in return.
I’ve noticed many of my coaching clients are fans of NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming). With emphasis on one specific technique — anchoring.
What is Anchoring?
Anchoring allows you to condition yourself to access a desired mental state—like deep focus—instantly.
It’s the same principle as Pavlov’s dogs. Through repetition, you associate a stimulus (bell ringing) with a response (salivating). The same can be done with focus and peak trading performance.
How to Apply It in Trading:
Choose Your Anchor: Pick a simple, repeatable physical gesture—like tapping your fingers together, pressing your thumb and forefinger, or even saying a short phrase under your breath.
Set the Anchor: The next time you’re in a deep focus state (maybe while analyzing charts, journaling, or engaged in a problem-solving task), intentionally activate your chosen anchor. Do this every time you notice yourself in a strong trading mindset.
Reinforce It: After multiple repetitions, your brain will start linking the physical action to the mental state automatically.
Activate It When You Need It: Before your trading session, use your anchor to trigger your focus. Over time, it will help you enter the right mindset on command.
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One Action Step:
Today, choose an anchor and start associating it with a focused trading state.
Here are some of the most effective, grounded anchors you can use:
Placing both hands flat on the desk before starting their session (signals readiness and focus.)
Taking one deep breath and exhaling slowly before placing each trade (reinforces a controlled state.)
Writing or saying out loud a word or phrase before trading (e.g., “Execute,” “Discipline,” or “Process”) creates a mental association between that word and their IPM—Ideal Performance Mindset.
Anchors need to be repeatable and meaningful to you.
You don’t need to wait for the session to practice the right trading mindset. Master this, and you’ll ease the friction to exceptional performance.
Peaceful trading,
Sara
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Great article Sara! Simple and practical. I definitely use to be one of those people who had an “extreme” pre trading routine, and it actually created more tension in my approach. Rather than reciting affirmations, listening to binaural beats, and whatever the heck else I use to do. Now I just take one deep breath, look out the window, and ask god to guide me through my trading session. It’s much more grounding for me. Sometimes less is more.
This is beautiful and flexible... You could create an anchor for almost anything, right??