Hirschhorn: Trader Talk with Charles Poliacof

Everyone has an approach. If your viewpoint is to focus on the fundamentals, then you're going to say a certain price multiple to earnings, or EBITDA, or macro turn, these are all the things that make you want to put out a position.

It's the same in the short term trading world, says Poliacof. "If certain technical indicators are hit, a confluence of quantitative elements that are hit for me, then I put on the trade. But, it's that 'I've missed out on one opportunity, and I don't want to miss out on the next,' that forces me to relax my discipline."

The end result: over trading and positions you normally wouldn't take.

Self awareness is the most important thing. Know your triggers. "Know what it is that goes off inside of you, that creates this series of events," says Poliacof. "For me, it's the fear of missing out. Instead of being proactive, I become reactive."

What does he do? He walks away...literally, even though there may be an opportunity to make money. "I'm not thinking clearly, and that means I shouldn't be participating in the market," he says.

If everything doesn't line up the way he wants, there should be something going off in his mind. Sometimes that means taking a huge step back. "I'll cut back to five percent of my shares in capital if I need to be involved. Even then," he adds, "that ends up being a loser."

The best advice he can give? "If you're not where you need to be, simply take a step back."

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Doug Hirschhorn is the chief executive officer of Edge Consulting, a firm specializing in “Peak Performance Coaching.” He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology with a specialization in sport psychology, and has offices in New York and South Florida. His client list includes elite athletes as well as many of the largest banks, hedge funds and financial institutions in the world. Doug is presently at work on his new book, 8 Ways to Great (Putnam, 2010).

Have a question for Doug? You can reach him through his Web site, DrDoug.com

Disclaimer: Doug Hirschhorn's expertise is in the psychology of achieving peak performance. He is not a financial advisor and does not make trading or investment recommendations or provide trading or investment advice. He is an expert on the mental game. Although Doug Hirschhorn has a Ph.D. in Psychology with a specialization in sport psychology, he is not a licensed psychologist and does not provide therapeutic, clinical or counseling services.