People say that they want wisdom, but never stop talking long enough to listen to the wisdom they say that they want. There is so much to learn if one just stops talking. Proverbs tells us, “Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent— discerning, when he seals his lips” – Proverbs 17:28.
We live in a society where people feel the need to be heard. They tend to associate their identity and value with being heard. We see it everywhere. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (now X), and every other social media platform. Think of it. We have even coined the term, “Social – Media – Platform” to elevate the value of “being heard”.
How much wiser would our society be if we valued “listening” over “being heard“. Are you driven to learn, or driven to make sure everyone hears what you have to say?
Only when you determine to focus your attention on listening over being heard, will wisdom enter the room. If you are determined to be heard, even if you call out to her, wisdom will not be found.
If our approach to trading is, “I got this“, you might as well pick up your ball and go home. In other words, if you have nothing to learn, then you are in the wrong place. Even if you do understand a concept or strategy, listening to someone else cover the material you already believe you have down cold, may give you a better understanding, but from a different perspective.
I encourage you to take time to listen. Not so that you can respond. But so that you can reflect and glean. If you do have something to share, run it through the gatekeeper of your mouth to ensure that what you say (or post), is bathed in grace so that it builds up the listener or reader (see Eph. 4:29).
I encourage you to listen hard. The harder you listen, the more grace you will be able to extend when speaking.
What does this have to do with trading? Everything. How can you learn if you don’t think you have anything to learn? If you don’t value listening, . . . if you don’t prioritize listening, you will not become a Master Trader. Wisdom is found everywhere, but it won’t be found until we prioritize hearing her voice. She speaks through both the wise, and through the mouth of a fool, and what you hear from each determines your how you grow. A fool can teach you a lot.
