Gary Player and trading

Gary Player was one of golf's "Big 3" of the 1960's, alongside Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. He was not blessed with the natural physical attributes and raw power of his two adversaries, but more than made up for it by having a positive mind, a fanaticism towards fitness and nutrition, and a desire to work harder than any other golfer. As a result, he ended up winning 9 major championships. Even today, in his late 70's, he is full of energy and enthusiasm, and can put people half his age to shame with his fitness and work ethic.

In the same way that a small individual trader can be just as profitable (in percentage terms or R) as a major hedge fund, Player is a great example of a good "littl'un" being able to mix it with a good "big'un". Desire and determination, along with working on the things that can make a difference to your performance, can get you a long way.

Some of his most famous quotes are just as applicable to traders. Just change the word golf to trading, or golfer to trader, and you'll see what I mean:

"We create success or failure on the course primarily by our thoughts."

"Golf is a puzzle without an answer. I've played the game for 40 years and I still haven't the slightest idea how to play."

"The harder you work, the luckier you get."

 

"You must work very hard to become a natural golfer."

"As we all know... golf is a puzzle without an answer."

"That loss was to breed an independence, a toughness of spirit, and an awareness of adversity and discipline that have never left me."

"Golf is such a humbling game."

"It doesn't matter what happened in the past or what happens in the present, when we tee up tomorrow, it's a new day. It's a brand new game."

"Visualize winning."

"A good golfer has the determination to win and the patience to wait for the breaks."