Work hours? What are those?

 I was talking to my psychologist again this morning - we talk a lot! Communication is key in any relationship! And so I was talking about work hours per week. And while I don't know my work hours I was comparing what I do to a normal 40 hours a week job. It was interesting because it doesn't feel like I'm working all of the time, but I am. Practically every hour of my day is in some way, shape, or form to enhance my ability to trade well. I think that trading has made me think this way too because it makes you realize how important mental and physical health are in being able to make good quick almost spur-of-the-moment yet calculated decisions.  My morning routine with prayer, meditation, and exercise are to get me in the right state of mind. Then there's preparation/stock selection and the time spent in front of charts which is the obvious work. Then There's all of the things that are work related but I don't do during "work hours" like ripping through charts looking for setups or patterns, my nightly review, reading past tape, taking notes on past trades as I go through my catalog of trades on Youtube (I post all of my trades on youtube - on a private channel so I don't have to bog down my computer's memory and I can take notes there and time stamp any important moments in the stocks movement - I recommend this to anyone). Making playbooks, writing this journal thing, participating in meetings (which I don't technically "need" to go to - but they help - two heads are better than one). I also go on walks or rides where I listen to books - almost assuredly about trading. And then there's picking up the kids from school - I wait and read! Eat healthy and make good decisions so I don't have tummy rumbles the next day - no more salsa except on Fridays and Saturdays :)  And yet it doesn't feel like I work a 40 hour week even though I probably work more. But therein lies the beauty of loving what you do - it doesn't feel like work. I'm not counting the minutes until I need to clock out or go home. In fact, sometimes it's quite the opposite - I can't wait for the work week to start back up. I feel like putting in all of the time and effort is worth it - that I am compensated fully for the work I do. Probably the most important compensation to me is that I have time to be with my family. Knowing why you're doing what you're doing is important. Having a schedule that is productive and leads you towards the goals you are seeking out is important. Anyway, it was an interesting little conversation that reminded me of the importance of having a schedule and putting things in your day that are focused on your goals. Enjoy what you do! I must also add that it is good to be able to turn off the trading thoughts when in the company of your family so that you can enjoy their company to the fullest! Alright that's it for today! Cheers!