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Writer's pictureJustin Maxwell

From Overwhelmed to Focused: My Journey in Trading and Running



Ever feel like you're drowning in information? Not sure how to make money in the market?


Oftentimes, traders think they need to master every strategy, pattern, and tool in the stock market to succeed. But the truth is, it's easy to get caught in a whirlwind of data and overcomplicate the journey.


I'm with you, I understand how we want fast results and think more leverage equals more profit. What if I told you the opposite is true?


Alex Hormozi said it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert, and while that may seem daunting, there’s a way to simplify it. The secret lies in focusing on one strategy and mastering it.


Trying to do too much too fast is like learning how to assemble IKEA furniture with a power drill before you’ve ever learned how to use a manual screwdriver. Your portfolio is going to end up getting destroyed like the particleboard of that living room table you saw in the showroom if you aren't careful with the assembly!


My Journey to Becoming a Runner


We all know I'm not normal, but I see relations to trading almost everywhere and in most everything I do. I was thinking about this over the weekend while I was running...



I never thought I would be a runner, yet here I am about to go for a run at 5:30 am. Over the last two years, I've been running consistently, and just now, I’m starting to see real progress. I’m not an elite runner by any means, but I can see the changes—mile by mile, step by step—because I showed up every single morning, no matter what. Running has reminded me that progress often takes time to become visible, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. It went from being hard and something I didn't think was possible to something I now need for my health and mind.


We all want to be the fastest runner, but rushing can lead to injury, just like rushing in trading can lead to big losses. Over-leveraging is a sure way to blow up your trading account, just like that time I tried to run a marathon without enough water... You will NEVER forget when you push too hard too fast.


Self-discipline is the most important part of both running and trading. Trading is awesome because it is you against the market. You have no boss, no accountability (unless you want it), and make all the decisions. Trading is also incredibly hard because you have no boss, no accountability, and you make all the decisions!


No one knows if you add more risk than you should to a trade, just like no one knows if you only run five miles instead of the ten you planned. But ultimately, it’s about being accountable to yourself. If you have a good plan that follows our "trade small, trade often, and trade mechanical" approach, you make discipline and accountability easier to obtain.


When you are on mile 5 of the 10-mile run, you know why you are doing it. You are more likely to keep trading (or running) when a trade goes against you or you are having a rough time when you have a strong why and have built up the knowledge and discipline with regular frequency.


Why Focus on One Tool?



When you start anything, you don’t need a thousand tools. You just need to learn how to use one effectively. Think about it—if you’ve never built furniture before, would you start with a complex tool like a power drill? Probably not. You’d grab a screwdriver (or use the one IKEA gives you in the box) and work your way up.


It’s the same with trading. In the stock market, there’s no shortage of strategies: naked puts, iron condors, momentum trading, dividend investing, options buying. But jumping around and trying everything at once can do more harm than good, just like stripping the screw with a drill when you don’t know how to handle it properly.


The screwdriver—slow and steady—gets the job done without ruining the materials.


The Illusion of Fast Gains and More Power

One of the biggest misconceptions is that the more you know, the faster you’ll be successful.


I wish this applied to running; I could just read my way to the Boston Marathon! This mindset in trading is dangerous. The sooner you realize the market is a dynamic place with really smart people and machines, the sooner you understand you shouldn't take on unnecessary risks by using too much leverage and expecting overnight results.


This is where traders often blow up their accounts—they’re using a power drill on delicate screws, thinking more speed and power will make them profitable faster. The analogy is picking up pennies in front of a steamroller.




You might pick up 100 pennies in a row before the steamroller catches you. But most of the time, the steamroller's damage is far greater than the 100 pennies you picked up. It's just not sustainable to keep yourself overleveraged mentally, physically, or financially.


In reality, consistency and confidence in one strategy are where the magic happens. Trying to be an expert in everything right away can lead to over-leveraging, bad trades, and an emotional rollercoaster.


Instead, what you need is patience. Focus on one strategy, master it, and slowly expand. It’s not glamorous, but it’s how you build true, long-term success in trading.


Trading the Good Kids Trading Way

Just like my journey to becoming a runner, trading is about consistency and showing up every day, regardless of who is watching. No one knows whether you stick to your trading plan except you. No one is grading you or keeping score. But that’s precisely why it’s so important to stay committed—because you’re doing this for yourself.


It’s natural to want fast results, but the greatest traders didn’t rush their learning. Just like running, trading requires discipline and consistency—even when no one is watching. They focused on being great at one thing before adding more strategies to their playbook. Your goal shouldn’t be to "get rich quick" but to "get skilled steadily." The profits will come as a byproduct of consistent and focused learning.


It’s important to remember that this journey should be fun. You should enjoy this process, whether it's trading or running. You should enjoy the process of learning and growing. That doesn’t mean every day will be great, but over the long term, this kind of commitment leads to success—both in trading and in life.


So ask yourself: what’s the one strategy you want to focus on for the next six months?


I understand many traders aren't sure where to start. That's why I built a guide for Mr. Money Maxwell Inner Circle Members called:

Passive Trading with MrMoneyMaxwell.com - Grow Your Portfolio with Stocks Under $100


I share with you a watchlist of my favorite names under $100 a share!

I give you my strategies for knowing where to buy and where to sell these stocks

I walk you through all of the most important information I wish I knew starting out.


I will start selling this individually on Gumroad, but for $99.99 a year, you can get this guide RIGHT NOW as an inner circle member, as well as weekly updates from me. For less than $2 a week, this is a bargain to help get you motivated and educated on your trading journey! Join now, before I raise prices.


Remember, the journey to trading success isn’t about mastering every tool from day one. It’s about finding that one strategy that is simple and easy for you to follow so it works for you.


So after a year, you don't even recognize that person you were before. You become an expert at it, and then slowly expand your strategies from there. The market isn’t going anywhere, and neither should your patience.


If you want help figuring out which "screwdriver" to pick first, reach out. Let’s simplify the process and build a strategy that works for you.


I'll see you sunday right here! Much sooner in our free discord!


Happy trading, good kids!


$Maxwell


P.S. Want to dive deeper into strategies that build long-term wealth? Join Mr. Money Maxwell’s inner circle Every week, I share insights from over 20 years of experience to help you master the market, one step at a time. Sign up today and get started on your journey to financial freedom.

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