Mind Over Markets: Trading Psychology Podcast

In this episode of Mind Over Markets, George Papazov unpacks one of the most dangerous traps in trading: the illusion of control. From childhood we’re programmed to believe that effort equals outcome — but in markets, that belief becomes sabotage. George shares the story of a trader who “mastered control” until volatility shifted and everything unraveled, explains why the illusion of control feels so real, and shows how to upgrade from chasing outcomes to mastering process and adaptability. You’ll walk away with a simple NLP exercise to anchor calm before each trade and a powerful mindset reframe: you don’t control the market, you control execution — and that’s where your edge lives.Key TakeawaysControl in trading feels real because of childhood conditioning, societal messages, and workplace cause-effect logic — but the market is an uncertain system.The illusion of control serves early traders by creating confidence, persistence, and structure — but it flips into sabotage when clung to for too long.Overconfidence, revenge trading, self-blame, and blindness to change are all symptoms of fighting for control that never existed.True power comes from focusing on “Bucket 1” (preparation, execution, state) and releasing “Bucket 2” (market direction, volatility, news, outcomes).Anchor exercise: recall a moment of calm and focus, press thumb and finger together to lock it in, and fire this anchor before each trade to remind yourself — I control execution, not outcomes.Episode Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the Free PDF:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5 Most Destructive Loops in Trading — and How to Break Them⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Voice Message:⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ask a question, say hello or suggest a future episode on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SpeakPipe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rate and Review: If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love for you to r⁠⁠⁠⁠ate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠us on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Twitter: For daily mindset insights and trading psychology content, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠follow me here⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer:Futures, options, and derivatives trading involve substantial risk and are not suitable for every investor. The high degree of leverage in futures trading can work against you as well as for you. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific trading, investment, or financial advice. Nothing discussed constitutes an offer to buy or sell any futures contract, option, security, or other financial instrument.You are solely responsible for your own trading decisions, and you should carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for your financial situation, experience level, and risk tolerance. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor, registered broker, or other qualified professional before making trading or investment decisions.While efforts are made to present accurate and timely information, the host makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of any information presented and assumes no liability for any losses that may arise from reliance on this content.By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

Every trader has said it: “I just need to be more disciplined.” But discipline isn’t the problem — and willpower isn’t the solution. In this episode, George breaks down why willpower always fails when you need it most, how the brain’s “discipline battery” gets drained under stress, and why traders spiral into regret when they try to muscle through with brute force.You’ll discover the science of willpower, the hidden psychology that makes rules collapse in real time, and why professionals don’t rely on discipline at all — they build systems and environments where discipline becomes automatic.If you’ve ever promised yourself to “be more disciplined tomorrow” only to break down again, this episode will show you the path out of that loop — and into real consistency.Key TakeawaysTraders don’t fail because they “lack discipline” — they fail because willpower is finite and collapses under stress.Willpower is powered by the prefrontal cortex, burns glucose like fuel, and works like a muscle — it tires with overuse.Trading drains willpower faster than most activities because it’s constant micro-decisions under pressure.The discipline loop: regret after losses → promise to “be more disciplined tomorrow” → short burst of control → willpower drains → breakdown → repeat.Professionals don’t rely on willpower; they design systems and environments where discipline is automatic.Three actionable tools to replace willpower with structure:Pre-Commitment Rules — set max loss, size, and cutoff before the session.Environmental Design — make good habits easy, bad habits harder (checklists, clean screens, silence distractions).Identity Lock-In — daily prompts (“How would a professional trader act today?”) and end-of-day reflection to build consistency into your identity.Disclaimer:Futures, options, and derivatives trading involve substantial risk and are not suitable for every investor. The high degree of leverage in futures trading can work against you as well as for you. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific trading, investment, or financial advice. Nothing discussed constitutes an offer to buy or sell any futures contract, option, security, or other financial instrument.You are solely responsible for your own trading decisions, and you should carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for your financial situation, experience level, and risk tolerance. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor, registered broker, or other qualified professional before making trading or investment decisions.While efforts are made to present accurate and timely information, the host makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of any information presented and assumes no liability for any losses that may arise from reliance on this content.By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

Most traders don’t blow up when the market is tough — they blow up when it’s easy. After a winning streak, confidence spikes, discipline fades, and comfort creeps in. That comfort feels safe, but it’s a trap — and it’s the setup for wipeouts that erase weeks of progress in a single day.In this episode, George explains why traders sabotage themselves right after success, how dopamine rewires your brain to chase the feeling of winning instead of the process, and why “productive tension” — the sweet spot between boredom and panic — is the only state where peak performance happens.Through fighter pilot and boxing analogies, psychology insights, and three actionable tools, you’ll learn how to rewire your mind to thrive without a safety net and turn discomfort into your biggest trading edge.Key TakeawaysTraders are most vulnerable after a winning streak, not during losing periods.Dopamine from wins lowers caution and hijacks logical execution, pushing traders to force bigger trades.Comfort creates complacency; growth requires discomfort.Productive tension is the sweet spot between too little stress (sloppiness) and too much (panic).Three ways to sharpen discipline through discomfort:Micro-Discomfort Challenge — introduce small daily challenges to build resilience.Edge-Pressure Practice — ask before every trade: “Am I taking this because it feels safe, or because it follows my plan?”Reset Ritual — use a physical anchor to snap back into focus when you get careless.Disclaimer:Futures, options, and derivatives trading involve substantial risk and are not suitable for every investor. The high degree of leverage in futures trading can work against you as well as for you. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific trading, investment, or financial advice. Nothing discussed constitutes an offer to buy or sell any futures contract, option, security, or other financial instrument.You are solely responsible for your own trading decisions, and you should carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for your financial situation, experience level, and risk tolerance. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor, registered broker, or other qualified professional before making trading or investment decisions.While efforts are made to present accurate and timely information, the host makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of any information presented and assumes no liability for any losses that may arise from reliance on this content.By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

Why do traders so often give back their biggest wins within days? It’s not a lack of discipline — it’s because your mind is wired to pull you back to an old comfort zone. In this episode, George unpacks the hidden “success set-point” that keeps traders stuck in cycles of sabotage, explains why your results always return to the level of your self-image, and shows you how to expand your capacity to hold success, not just taste it.Through stories, analogies, and actionable tools, you’ll learn how to stop turning progress into setbacks and lock in your wins as the new normal.Key TakeawaysWinning in trading often triggers sabotage because it pushes you beyond your subconscious comfort zone.Your trading results will always return to the level of your self-image.Getting overly excited after a win is a sign your nervous system doesn’t see success as normal yet.Success isn’t just about getting wins — it’s about expanding your identity to be comfortable holding them.Three tools to raise your set-point:Post-Win Integration Ritual — journal what you did well, visualize repeating it effortlessly, anchor the feeling.Baseline Reset Exercise — write down your old comfort zone results, cross them out, and declare a new minimum standard.Future Self Calibration — each morning ask, “If I was the trader who naturally maintains my last win, what would I do today?”Episode Resources⁠⁠⁠Download the Free PDF:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5 Most Destructive Loops in Trading — and How to Break Them⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Voice Message:⁠⁠⁠ Ask a question, say hello or suggest a future episode on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SpeakPipe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rate and Review: If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love for you to r⁠⁠⁠ate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠us on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Twitter: For daily mindset insights and trading psychology content, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠follow me here⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer:Futures, options, and derivatives trading involve substantial risk and are not suitable for every investor. The high degree of leverage in futures trading can work against you as well as for you. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific trading, investment, or financial advice. Nothing discussed constitutes an offer to buy or sell any futures contract, option, security, or other financial instrument.You are solely responsible for your own trading decisions, and you should carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for your financial situation, experience level, and risk tolerance. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor, registered broker, or other qualified professional before making trading or investment decisions.While efforts are made to present accurate and timely information, the host makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of any information presented and assumes no liability for any losses that may arise from reliance on this content.By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

Urgency can sabotage trading performance, leading to hasty decisions driven by emotions. The podcast explores this phenomenon, drawing parallels to sports where maintaining composure is essential. Listeners learn about the dangers of self-imposed deadlines and how they can derail success. Key strategies, including the 'One Trade' reframe and visualization techniques, help traders manage urgency and cultivate patience. By slowing down their mental clock, traders can enhance their decision-making and avoid costly mistakes.

Patience isn't about doing nothing; it's your greatest trading asset. Discover the 'Patience Paradox' that reveals letting go of the need to act can boost results. Break free from impulsive trades driven by emotions and learn to cultivate strategic patience. Embrace a three-step system to train your patience and track your non-actions. Listen for insights on shifting to a more intentional trading style that fosters clarity and confidence. Reframe restraint as mastery and cultivate a calm mindset for better decision-making.

In this episode, George finally reveals the trading strategy he’s been quietly refining for the last five years — a complete departure from the fast-paced world of day trading he recently left behind. Known as the Convex Core Strategy, this approach is built around always being long the S&P 500 (ES futures) while intelligently hedging downside risk with put spreads and deep out-of-the-money protection.George breaks down why he made the shift, how this strategy aligns with his life as a father, and why it’s brought more clarity, balance, and freedom to his trading than anything he’s done before. He shares the three core components of the strategy, explains how it performs in different market conditions, and reveals the mindset shift required to move from chasing trades to intelligently owning market exposure.Whether you’re a futures trader, options trader, or simply curious about evolving beyond day trading, this episode offers a fresh perspective on building a sustainable and scalable approach to the markets.Key Takeaways 💡From Day Trading to Convexity: After 24 years of day trading, George shifted to a strategy focused on convex opportunities — trades with limited downside and asymmetric upside.Three Components of the Convex Core Strategy:A perpetual long position in ES futures.A protective put spread for downside hedging.A deep out-of-the-money put for catastrophic “tail risk” events.Market Scenarios: Profits are maximized in up markets, hedged in down markets, and carry insurance costs in sideways markets.Institutional Mindset: This approach mirrors how large institutions manage exposure — always long, hedging intelligently, and focusing on macro context rather than intraday noise.Personal Benefits: The strategy freed George from constant decision-making, reduced emotional fatigue, and aligned his trading with his family life and long-term goals.Bigger Picture: It’s more than a strategy; it’s a mindset shift from chasing short-term gains to building sustainable wealth over decades.Episode ResourcesDownload the Free PDF: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5 Most Destructive Loops in Trading — and How to Break Them⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Voice Message: Ask a question, say hello or suggest a future episode on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SpeakPipe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rate and Review: If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love for you to rate ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠us on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Twitter: For daily mindset insights and trading psychology content, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠follow me hereDisclaimer:Futures, options, and derivatives trading involve substantial risk and are not suitable for every investor. The high degree of leverage in futures trading can work against you as well as for you. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific trading, investment, or financial advice. Nothing discussed constitutes an offer to buy or sell any futures contract, option, security, or other financial instrument.You are solely responsible for your own trading decisions, and you should carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for your financial situation, experience level, and risk tolerance. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor, registered broker, or other qualified professional before making trading or investment decisions.While efforts are made to present accurate and timely information, the host makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of any information presented and assumes no liability for any losses that may arise from reliance on this content.By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

After 21 years in the game, I’ve officially stepped away from day trading.Not because I burned out… but because I evolved.In this deeply personal episode, I open up about the emotional toll of day trading, how performance pressure warped my identity, and why I decided to walk away from the daily grind — even while I was still profitable.But I didn’t leave the market. I rebuilt my edge.I share the full breakdown of my new Convex Core Strategy — a simple yet powerful approach that focuses on low-frequency trades, asymmetric risk-reward, and long-term growth. It’s given me my time, health, and energy back — while still keeping me connected to the market I love.This episode is a raw reflection on the price of trading obsession… and what real freedom looks like when you finally stop chasing every move.👤 Whether you’re feeling burnt out, stuck in a trading loop, or ready to evolve — this one’s for you.🎧 Listen now to learn:Why I stopped day trading (even after 20+ years)The hidden emotional cost of the 2-hour trading dayWhat the Convex Core Strategy is and how it worksHow to transition from “daily wins” to building real wealthThe mindset shift that changed everythingEpisode ResourcesDownload the Free PDF: ⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5 Most Destructive Loops in Trading — and How to Break Them⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Voice Message: Ask a question, say hello or suggest a future episode on ⁠⁠⁠⁠SpeakPipe⁠⁠⁠⁠Rate and Review: If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love for you to rate ⁠⁠⁠⁠us on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Twitter: For daily mindset insights and trading psychology content, ⁠⁠⁠⁠follow me here

Most trading educators will tell you, “Anyone can day trade — you just need the right strategy.” But that’s not the whole truth. In this episode, we get brutally honest about the psychological demands of day trading — and why so many traders are unknowingly stepping into a high-performance arena without the preparation to succeed.You’ll learn why day trading is more like professional sports than most people realize, how to recognize if you’re truly ready to perform under pressure, and what to do if you're not there yet — without giving up on your trading dreams.If you’ve ever felt like something’s missing — even when you’ve bought the courses and followed the rules — this episode will reframe everything for you.Key Takeaways + Soundbites“Day trading is a full-contact psychological sport. If you’re untrained, you’re walking into the Stanley Cup without knowing how to skate.”“It’s not that you’re broken — it’s that you’re trying to perform like a pro without training like one.”“Most traders don’t fail because they lack information. They fail because they expect elite results without elite preparation.”“Awareness is the beginning of power. If you realize you’re not ready yet, congratulations — you just avoided a costly identity wound.”“Start by slowing the game down. Switch to a 1H or 4H chart, stretch out your decision-making process, and train your nervous system for performance.”“You don’t go to the NHL without going through the minors. Start with longer timeframes, then graduate down — not the other way around.”“Stop comparing your chapter 1 to someone else’s chapter 20. You’re not behind — you’re building your base.”Episode ResourcesDownload the Free PDF: ⁠⁠⁠The 5 Most Destructive Loops in Trading — and How to Break Them⁠⁠⁠Leave a Voice Message: Ask a question, say hello or suggest a future episode on ⁠⁠⁠SpeakPipe⁠⁠⁠Rate and Review: If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love for you to rate ⁠⁠⁠us on Spotify⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠Connect with Our Community: ⁠⁠⁠Visit TRADEPRO Academy online⁠⁠⁠Join Our Free Trading Room: ⁠⁠⁠Click here to access it⁠⁠⁠Follow on Twitter: For daily mindset insights and trading psychology content, ⁠⁠⁠follow me here

You’ve done the work. You’ve changed your strategy, refined your routine, and rebuilt your mindset—but deep down, the fear is still there. What if it happens again?This episode is your comeback blueprint.I’ll walk you through the psychological transformation required to return to trading with confidence, clarity, and control after a devastating account blowout. You’ll learn how to rewire your subconscious, regulate your physiology, and rebuild belief in yourself—step by step.We’ll cover:* The athlete’s mindset of returning after injury—and how it mirrors trading trauma* Why acceptance is power, and denial is self-sabotage* The exact mental rehearsal routine to rewire belief before re-entry* Why controllable goals are your new edge (and which goals are secretly killing your progress)* How breathing becomes a live ticker tape of your emotional state* The real “cheat code” to lock in trading success—*and it’s not what you think*This episode is not about revenge. It’s about redemption.If you're ready to return with strength and finally make trading work for you, this one is essential.Key Takeaways:* **Fear after failure is normal—staying stuck is not.** Avoidance is disguised self-abandonment.* **Practice full acceptance:** You *might* lose again, but hiding in SIM forever won't protect you.* **Mental rehearsal rewires belief.** Visualize yourself trading with excellence *before* you sit down at the screens.* **Set goals you can actually control.** Things like daily loss limits, trade count, and volatility-based filters.* **Breathing is your emotional edge.** Shallow = sabotage. Deep = performance. Reset with 3 slow breaths before every trade.* **Prevent another blowout at all costs.** Repeating sabotage wires failure into your identity.* **The cheat code? Prioritize your physical health.** Workout, hydrate, sleep. Align your body with your goals—and trading transforms.Episode ResourcesDownload the Free PDF: ⁠⁠The 5 Most Destructive Loops in Trading — and How to Break Them⁠⁠Leave a Voice Message: Ask a question, say hello or suggest a future episode on ⁠⁠SpeakPipe⁠⁠Rate and Review: If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love for you to rate ⁠⁠us on Spotify⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠Connect with Our Community: ⁠⁠Visit TRADEPRO Academy online⁠⁠Join Our Free Trading Room: ⁠⁠Click here to access it⁠⁠Follow on Twitter: For daily mindset insights and trading psychology content, ⁠⁠follow me here