𝐀𝐧𝐱𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲


A common feeling, but not commonly spoken about in the investing world. It’s one of the biggest silent killers of performance. 
Anxiety doesn’t just make us feel uneasy, it clouds our ability to think clearly, manage risk and stay grounded. It impacts our decisions, our routines and how we show up. And in this world, the markets don’t slow down just because we’re overwhelmed. It affects all of us. And instead of pretending we’re immune, I think it’s time we talk about it more openly.

1️⃣ Focus & Decision Making


An anxious mind is in survival mode. When the amygdala (your brain’s fear centre) is firing constantly and cortisol (your stress hormone) is elevated, it weakens the function of the prefrontal cortex (the part of your brain responsible for logic, focus and decision making). 
Clarity disappears. Judgment becomes reactive. You second guess your plan or abandon it completely. This is where overtrading, panic exits and regret live.

2️⃣ Exercise & Diet


This isn’t just about endorphins or losing 10 pounds. It’s about creating the conditions for a sharper, calmer mind.
 • Exercise lowers cortisol and brings your nervous system back into balance. It helps pull you out of that wired, anxious state, so you can actually think clearer. • It also increases a compound in your brain called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which basically acts like brain fertiliser. It helps your brain grow new connections, making it easier to break old patterns and create new ones. • A good diet stabilises your blood sugar and that keeps your mood and focus stable. Fewer crashes, less brain fog, better decision making. • the act of consistently moving your body and fuelling it well tells your mind, “I’m someone who takes care of things.” That repetition becomes identity. That identity becomes discipline.

3️⃣ Sleep


Sleep isn’t optional. It’s brain maintenance. Lack of sleep increases cortisol, heightens emotional reactivity and amplifies anxiety. Even without a clear trigger. It also weakens the part of your brain responsible for decision making and impulse control. That’s why it’s harder to stay disciplined or stick to your plan when you’re sleep deprived. You're not lazy when you're tired, your brain is just in survival mode. And in that state, fear and doubt tend to take the wheel.

4️⃣ Social Media


Information overload = emotional overload.
 Social media is built to spike dopamine and hijack your attention. It can feed fear cycles, comparison and overreactions.

5️⃣ Self Talk


This is a big one. Your internal dialogue shapes your experience with reality. What you say to yourself becomes your identity and eventually your behaviour follows. You don’t just need self awareness, you need to reframe the narrative. 
We talk about strategies, indicators and economic data all the time.
 But none of it matters if your mind is constantly hijacked by fear, fatigue, or noise. Mental clarity is the real edge.

 Long term performance isn’t just a numbers game, it’s a mindset game. Have a great week ahead! 👩🏻‍💻☕️

Source: Kora Trade

In South Africa, a helicopter crashed during take-off. The unusual cause, a cardboard box with a penguin on board the aircraft, landed on a control lever of the aircraft, causing the pilot to lose control of the helicopter. Nieuws 📰 telegraaf the Netherlands. @PenWyn 🥶