FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Eric Johnson
Marketing Director
Market Traders Institute, Inc.
400 Colonial Center Pkwy Suite 350
Lake Mary, FL 32746
http://www.markettraders.com
ejohnson@markettraders.com

Congrats to Market Traders Institute, Inc. (MTI), Finalist for the 2011 STAR Awards Program

Orlando, FL – November 3, 2011 – Market Traders Institute Inc. is pleased to announce that we have been designated as a finalist in the 2011 STAR Awards, presented by TraderPlanet.com and sponsored by SFO Magazine.

Market Traders Institute Inc. made the prestigious STAR Awards cut in the “Trading Courses” category. The TraderPlanet STAR program is presented as individual reviews of products and services that provide exemplary performance and value for traders. Vendors and authors compete in respective categories by accruing votes from TraderPlanet.com members and visitors.

Market Traders Institute Inc. joins the ranks of industry notables such as TradeStation, eSignal, Forex Capital Markets and Market Technologies to compete for the coveted STAR award. “We are exceptionally thrilled to be considered for an award that has previously been given to such well-respected organizations,” said Jacob Martinez, President.

“Following a best-practices approach and remaining end user-focused with our product design reflects our commitment to remain responsive to the advancements in technology and the needs of our clients. We will look forward to the outcome of the TraderPlanet community’s voting results in early 2012.”

The STAR awards recognize companies that have achieved innovation in the categories of brokerage services, trading platforms, strategy software, newsletters, instructional courses and books. Now in its third year, the STAR Awards program has raised the standard for excellence and serves as a prestigious representation of outstanding vision and achievement in the financial industry.

Market Traders Institute Inc. (MTI) was founded in 1994 for forex traders and is recognized worldwide as a leader in Forex Education and Forex Training. Lead by the President and Founder, Jared F. Martinez, commonly known as “FXChief” in the Forex Industry, MTI is proud to be one of the world’s oldest forex educational companies. MTI is known for their forex education techniques, state-of-the-art trading and analysis software, online interactive Forex analysis rooms and comprehensive support. For many, MTI is synonymous with high standards of effective teaching and a dedicated commitment to performance-oriented results, not theory.

Press inquiries, please contact:
Market Traders Institute, Inc. (MTI) • P: 1-800-866-7431 • E: info@markettraders.com

###

Take it from me: No. I have made plenty of mistakes over my many years of trading, and to say that I have no regrets at all wouldn’t be 100% honest. So, how have I overcome my trading regrets?

Well, let’s begin with taking a deeper look into what regret is. Regret is the recognition of mistakes we have made and even the opportunities we may have missed.

It is a natural emotion and part of our human nature. However, some people tend to be more consumed by the feeling of regret than others. Some say that spending any time at all regretting is a total waste of time. This is partially true.

I believe there are two forms of regret. Idle regret is when you’re stuck on the feeling of remorse or disappointment, when looking back keeps you from moving forward. Useful regret is when you are able to learn from your mistake and thereby improve your future decisions.

“To regret deeply is to live afresh.” – Henry David Thoreau

Even if you are new to the forex, I am sure that you already have your own trading regrets. They key is to find the benefit in regret. Ignore your regrets completely and you will almost certainly repeat them.

Never let your previous bad forex decisions dictate who you are. Let those decisions be a part of who you will become. Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start now to make a brand new ending. If you have made forex mistakes, even serious ones, there is always another chance for you. Failure is not the falling down, but the staying down.

In the world of trading, regret not only comes when a trade goes horribly wrong, but also when we miss what we think at the time is the trade of a lifetime (which is almost never the case).

Regret can influence traders differently. For some, regret can be the kick in the pants that is needed for them to either reassess or realign their plan. For others, it can be debilitating and they are unable to bring themselves to place any further trades.

Regret can also take the form of blame and/or shame. Some will blame others for their loss maybe for some bad advice, while some will blame themselves thinking maybe that they’re not smart enough to trade.

“It takes a wise man to learn from his mistakes, but an even wiser man to learn from others.” – Zen Proverb

You know, it’s easy to have faith in yourself when you’re a winner. However, it’s always more difficult to have faith in yourself when you’re not. You were not born a winner. You were not born a loser. You are what you make yourself to be.

Remember, when you trade the forex, you’ve got to take the good with the bad. Don’t dwell on the mistake. Move on.

Education and effort can help you make regret work for you and move you into a better, more rewarding trading experience.

FX Chief™ Jared Martinez is the founder of Market Traders Institute, Inc. (MTI). Recognized worldwide as a leader in Forex education and training, MTI provides its students with a variety of Forex-related continued education courses as well as an extensive online resource of Forex information at ForexTips.com.

Anyone who knows FX Chief™ Jared Martinez, knows that his passions include trading and psychology. His most recent book, The Forex Mindset, is a perfect pairing of the two.

Jared’s new book explores–and explains, such concepts as managing dreams and happiness, controlling negative emotions such as greed and fear, dealing with frustration and anger, the importance of change, left brain vs. right brain, and so much more.

I sat down with Jared recently to find out more about him, his new book and how human emotion governs trading behavior.

When and why did you begin writing?
I would have to say that my writing began in the late ‘70’s when I was a missionary in Chile. I kept a journal of my daily events, the things I witnessed that impressed me and things people said that I felt was worth taking note of—all in an effort to improve my life.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
In 1994, I wrote “The 10 keys to Successful Trading” (e-book). It seems fairly juvenile compared to how I write today, but it’s been a process to learn how to write well. My greatest experience of learning to be a writer was just getting to the point of putting all my thoughts on paper. Then I sent them to a professional editor who taught me how to put them into words that made sense. That became a turning point for me in knowing how to write well.

What inspired you to write your first book?
I believe the inspiration for my first book came in the spirit of wanting to tell the truth about how the market works—mainly because I had been so scammed by people who sold programs that didn’t work. Everyone has their own perception of the market, but I believe the ultimate perception is the return on your investment.

What inspired you to write this new book?
Trading this market is 90% psychological and 10% technical skill of where to get in/out and why. I think successful trading is not so much that but what you do when you’re in the market and how you manage yourself while you’re in it. Over my many years of trading, I’ve discovered that the majority of people self-destruct when they’re in the market, because they can’t control themselves and their emotions. I strongly believe that the psychological skill is more important that the technical skill that it takes to become a successful trader. Hence, The Forex Mindset.

Do you have a specific writing style?
I like to write via metaphors and analogies. I think people tend to remember points, or lessons, based on examples. In life, you get the test first and lesson second. Trading works the same way, because you typically get the test first. And, I feel that’s why new or uneducated traders fail.

How did you come up with the title?
Actually McGraw-Hill came up with the title for my new book. I wanted it to be The Psychology of Successful Trading: The Missing Link. But, as publishers, they know best. And just as the title indicates, The Forex Mindset is crucial to success in the forex market. It’s really about the psychology of changing your mindset so that the market doesn’t take advantage of you.

Is there a message in your new book that you want readers to grasp?
Yes. I want readers to realize that successful trading comes down to how successful you are in managing your life. Because how you manage your life, is how you’re going to manage your trading. For example, if your life is in balance, you will take that skill to the trading table and be able to manage your trading crises. As I mention in the book, you are either managing your poverty, your mediocrity or your success. Whichever of the three you’re managing, that’s what you’re going to take to the trading table. Which one would you rather take with you to the table? I know which one I’d take.

What books have most influenced your life most?
Hmm, let’s see, I would have to say…
1. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
2. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Peopl by Stephen Covey
3. Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman (This book helped me to manage my daily life.)
And, probably the book, To Know Me Is To Love Me by Sterling Ellsworth. Because most people don’t know who they are and that insecurity of not knowing who you are stands in the way of achieving great things (i.e., not intelligent enough, not confident enough). We tend to put limitations on ourselves and you have to break that limitation barrier in order to get what’s rightfully yours out of this life, so you can experience the most that this life has to offer. I like the saying, “Everyone says the sky is the limit, but if the sky is the limit, why are there footprints on the moon?”

How often do you read?
I am an avid reader. I’m always reading something. I typically go from one book straight to another.

What book are you reading now?
I’ve just started reading the book, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes by Deepak Chopra. I’ve always said that most poor people think the same; most mediocre people think the same; and most successful people think the same. Also, most superheroes think the same. And, this book is about how superheroes think.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Not really. I have appreciation for all authors—old or new.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
No, I sure wouldn’t. I’m very satisfied with it.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I’m currently working on a book about trading systems.

Who is your favorite author, and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
You know, I don’t really have any favorites. There are so many different authors out there today I think each of them offers what I like to call, little mindset jewels, that can shift your way of thinking. A lot of authors offer words of wisdom by virtue of their experiences that slowly help you to form your mindset for your life.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Well, the book was written in the height of my emotional crisis—my divorce. And, the hardest part has been to actually live what I wrote. For example, in my book I talk about how to manage frustration and anger—and I had to actually do it!

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Are you kidding? Read the book. What I learned is what I wrote.

Do you have any advice for other writers?
If you write to impress, you’ll write all the wrong stuff. But if you write from your experiences and your heart, you’ll write all the right stuff.

Do you see writing as a career?
Not really. Trading is first and foremost when it comes to my career. But if I could create books like Harry Potter, then yes!

In Chapter 1:  Get Excited about Trading, you talk about being motivated, following dreams, investing in ourselves, but you also discuss achieving balance and managing success. Why?
Well, firstly, I think that when you’re excited about anything you’re doing, you dig deep in your soul and give it your very best. And, even if it’s just a dream you are chasing, trading still needs to be viewed as a profession, and thus, taken seriously. Trading is not about luck. It’s about skill. Therefore, if you don’t take this dream/skill lightly, then you won’t be successful. Successful trading requires that you to go above and beyond.

You discuss mentorship in your book. What should one look for in a mentor?
Their success. Their patience. And, their willingness to teach.

What is the bigger barrier to success, greed or fear? And, how can one control their excesses?
I think it’s both—greed and fear. Fear stops you from doing things you should do. And greed gets you to do things you shouldn’t do. So, they’re both culprits. They’re both just as bad. And regarding excesses, I think one of the greatest challenges in life is to understand the difference between needs and wants. Anything you do, you should do in moderation. Even in trading.

How does one strive for excellence in trading?
Remember, excellence is not a one-time event. Excellence is a mindset. And, you just don’t one day read one book and you are then thinking and performing in a state of excellence. Achieving emotional and financial success is a process—a slow and steady process. It’s not done in a year. It’s done over a lifetime.

I really appreciated your chapter on how the head and heart work. Can you simplify the part about the “emotional hijacking” analogy of left-brain/right-brain?
As I said before, trading is 90% emotional. And consequently, you have a greater responsibility to understand how your emotions (right brain) work in a time of crisis (when the market is moving against you). If you don’t know how to logically (left brain) work through a crisis, you will end up working through that crisis in a state of emotion. And it’s no secret that when you problem-solve in a state of emotion you set yourself up to fail. Big! Understanding how the left-brain and right-brain work is integral to the success of any trader.

Specifically speaking to the right-brain person, do you feel that negative, emotion-based people can truly change?
Look, I believe that everyone can change. But change only takes place if one truly sees a benefit for the change. In reality, people only change based on three things: they are being forced to change, they are embarrassed and therefore change, or they are inspired to change. When you’re forced or embarrassed to change, it’s only temporary. But if you’re inspired to change, it can become permanent because then you see the benefit.

It seems that recognizing the importance of emotional intelligence is vital to trading success, especially in today’s market. Why?
Emotional intelligence is vital to life’s success which in turn rolls over to one’s trading success. Let’s face it, how you act in life is how you will act (or react) at the trading table. Emotional intelligence needs to be implemented in your daily life if you’re going to bring it to the trading table.

In this new book, you engage the reader in an exercise of looking back to look forward. Can you explain?
When I say look back to look forward, I’m talking about introspect needed—to not only look at who you are but how you became who you are. You didn’t just happen. You were programmed by a series of events, teachings and even traumas in your life. The human life lives a life of habit. What you did yesterday you’re going to do today and what you do today you’re going to do tomorrow. So you have to ask yourself are you satisfied with who you are today? Because if you’re not satisfied, what are you going to do to change it? Nothing will change unless you change it.

You introduce the concept of a personal constitution. What is it and when did you create your own constitution?
A personal constitution is simply a set of rules that you’re willing to obey, or live by, in an effort to strengthen your character. I was first introduced to the concept of a personal constitution by my mentor, Stephen R. Covey. I created it in 1977 as part of his mentorship exercise. Later, I created my professional/trader’s constitution with the help (and expectations) of my clients and co-workers.

What is a trader’s constitution and how long did it take for it to become part of your character?
Well, a trader’s constitution is the same as a professional constitution. I call it that because it just so happens that my profession is trading. I think character is under constant development. Your actions create your reputation, and your reputation creates your character. I am always working on and/or following my constitutions. It’s a continual process. And, let me just add something else from my book… I strongly believe that if you think your character won’t have an effect on your trading outcome, then you are grossly mistaken. Feelings-based people don’t make good traders because they follow their feelings, while constitution-based make great traders because they follow their rules.

From the chapter on frustration as you trade, was the list of frustrating thoughts from your personal experience?
Yes, indeed those frustrating thoughts were from my personal experience. Early on in my trading career, I suffered each and every one of those thoughts—and more! However, what one really needs to understand is that the majority of frustration is created from expectations not being met. And, if you are going to be a trader then you need to create the right expectations. The same goes for the feeling of anger. Decision-making and problem-solving when in a state of frustration or anger is NEVER wise. These emotions derail you and keep you from achieving. Heck, some people get so derailed they carry that emotional baggage around with them for years.

Tell me more about patience in trading.
Patience is part of a trader’s job, because you’re waiting for a set-up. It’s like waiting for a flight. Sometimes you get fogged in and you have to wait for the fog to clear. The top reason for lack of patience in trading is temptation. Traders constantly wrestle with the seduction of more. They tell themselves, let’s risk it so we can make more. They don’t follow their constitution.

Patience seems to be a major element in listening to the charts. Yes?
Absolutely it is! First of all, you want to educate yourself to what the charts are saying by learning the language of the charts. Secondly, you have to be patient and listen to what they are saying (and/or telling you what to do). It’s like sitting at a traffic light. You need to wait for the correct signal. Remember, they’re there to keep you safe.

The last chapter on protecting yourself reminded me of the story you shared earlier in the book of your friend who lost everything. What’s the best way to protect yourself?
Do this in every aspect of your life: Think of the worst thing that could happen first, instead of the best thing that can happen first. Only then do you create the proper expectation(s).

You end the book by telling the reader that nobody is a natural at trading. Aren’t you worried that will deter some from even taking up trading?
No way. Trading is NOT a natural ability. It’s not like sports or singing or speaking. No one’s a natural at this. It’s a skill that you’ve got to learn. If I wasn’t truthful with my readers, I would in a sense be setting them up to fail by giving them the wrong expectations. And let me tell you, I am here to help them to skip the school of hard knocks—a school in which I earned a Ph.D.!

FX Chief™ Jared Martinez is renowned forex author and trader as well as founder of Market Traders Institute, Inc. (MTI). Recognized worldwide as a leader in Forex education and training, MTI provides its students with a variety of forex-related continued education courses as well as an extensive online resource of forex information at ForexTips.com. To get a copy of the forex mindset, visit Amazon.com at this link: The Forex Mindset