Is Doing Nothing a Skill?

Want to be on the show? Send us a question, a voice note or a quick video to marketsandmindsets@ig.co Does stepping away from the buy button feel unproductive, even when there is no good trade to make? In Episode 9 of Markets and Mindsets, the team respond to a question from Andrew, an experienced trader who struggles with the urge to stay occupied, chase the buzz of execution and keep placing trades. The conversation challenges the idea that trading is the only productive part of being a trader. Using examples from golf, theatre and elite sport, the team explain why research, rehearsal, journaling and self-analysis are all part of building a process you can trust when it is time to execute. They also explore how to redirect the need for action into smaller, constructive tasks, why improving away from the screen can strengthen future decisions, and when the most productive choice may simply be to walk away and look after your wellbeing. In this episode: Why the urge to stay busy can lead traders into unnecessary decisions How overtrading affects experienced traders as well as beginners Why not placing a trade is still an active decision How golf practice provides a useful analogy for trading preparation Why research, journaling and reflection are productive trading activities How rehearsing away from the market can improve execution Why breaking a large skill into smaller components supports mastery How to create “little victories” when the market offers no clear opportunity Why you can influence your process even when you cannot influence the market Why exercise, rest and time away from the screen can improve performance Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: The Overtrading Trap 01:15 – Andrew’s Question: Chasing the Buzz of Trading 02:11 – What Golf Can Teach Traders About Practice 04:14 – The Illusion of Productivity 04:52 – Why Not Trading Does Not Mean Doing Nothing 05:09 – Research, Journaling and Reflection 06:09 – Rehearsal vs Execution 07:21 – Breaking Skills Down Through Mastery-Based Learning 08:18 – Finding Little Victories During Difficult Periods 10:00 – Productive Ways to Step Away from the Trade Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to Markets and Mindsets for more conversations exploring the psychology behind better investing. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a rating or share it with someone looking to become a more thoughtful investor. Capital at risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you originally invested. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.