What does it mean to be inspired or to have inspiration? According to Merriam-Webster inspiration is: something that makes someone want to do something or that gives someone an idea about what to do or create: a force or influence that inspires someone: a person, place, experience, etc., that makes someone want to do or create something: a good idea. Some examples of an inspiring event might be a dazzling sunrise that causes you to catch your breath and triggers a gratitude for being alive and desire to do more; or witnessing the miracle of birth that inspires you to be better; or any other of the many instances where you are taken by the majesty and mystic of the moment. It also has to do with those times when you are quietly inspired by the what-matters-most in your life, like family, love and service to community that creates an inner passionate excitement. Being inspired also is about using organization and planning skills to put in place and maintain your focus on the things that are most important in the trade. It’s connecting the what-matters-most in your life to the what-matters-most in the trade. One of the most critical items in becoming inspired and passionate enough to raise your bar and increase your motivation factor is to start out with a “compelling reason” to trade; in other words your purpose.

Your purpose for trading is a navigational compass for maintaining “true trade north.” This is ensuring that your trading is “principle centered.” One thing that many traders default to when they think about purpose is to tie the ship totally to the notion of “profit.” As strange as it may sound, having money as your only reason for trading is like game playing being the only reason for using your cell phone while disregarding the vital importance of connecting with the important people and events of your life. Don’t get me wrong, money is integrally connected to trading and it is the lifeblood of the markets; but it is not the only, nor the primary reason why you trade. You want what money can buy. Money is only a medium of exchange; you can’t eat, drink or live in it, which means that it is only a secondary (extrinsic) and not a primary (intrinsic) motivator. Its only value is derived by consensus and, therefore, it is subject to becoming worthless; as so many currencies have fallen prey in history. The compelling reason is what connects the critically important things in your life to the critically important things in the trade; for instance, tying the passion of family and providing for their welfare to making sure that you are planning your trades, trading your plans, following all of your rules and keeping all of your commitments. These top the list of what-matters-most items while in the trade in order to get the results that you want. This why is the compelling reason; because when you get to that fork in the road, facing a trade where you want to give in to that urge to chase a trade, move a stop or exit a trade prematurely, you can plug into the energy of your passion by accessing and activating your compelling reason in order to re-mind yourself that you are trading for your children’s education, your families vacation home or the future of your little towheaded grandchild and this is why you must follow your rules and keep your promises.

Trading has a number of definitions; for instance, “It is the transfer of money from the accounts of those who don’t know what they are doing into the accounts of those who do.” (Sam Seiden) “Trading is a journey in self-discovery.” And, “Successful trading is effective energy management.” When you create consistency in your planning, follow-through and execution you will develop “step-by-step” capacity for strength and endurance in the trade. This all begins with your purpose, your compelling reason that puts the energy of your passion in the service of your trading. Here is where the importance of your process can inspire you to go as far as you can with all that you’ve got…your personal greatness. This is what we teach in “Mastering the Mental Game” Online and On-location courses. Ask your Online Trading Academy representative for more information. Also, get my book “From Pain to Profit: Secrets of the Peak Performance Trader.”

Learn to Trade Now


Note: All information on this page is subject to change. The use of this website constitutes acceptance of our user agreement. Please read our privacy policy and legal disclaimer. Opinions expressed at FXstreet.com are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of FXstreet.com or its management. Risk Disclosure: Trading foreign exchange on margin carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors. The high degree of leverage can work against you as well as for you. Before deciding to invest in foreign exchange you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment and therefore you should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with foreign exchange trading, and seek advice from an independent financial advisor if you have any doubts.

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD eases from around 1.1800 after US GDP figures

EUR/USD eases from around 1.1800 after US GDP figures

The US Dollar is finding some near-term demand after the release of the US Q3 GDP. According to the report, the economy expanded at an annualized rate of 4.3% in the three months to September, well above the 3.3% forecast by market analysts.

GBP/USD retreats below 1.3500 on modest USD recovery

GBP/USD retreats below 1.3500 on modest USD recovery

GBP/USD retreats from session highs and trades slightly below 1.3500 in the second half of the day on Tuesday. The US Dollar stages a rebound following the better-than-expected Q3 growth data, limiting the pair's upside ahead of the Christmas break.

USD/JPY stays deep in the red below 156.00 on intervention risks

USD/JPY stays deep in the red below 156.00 on intervention risks

USD/JPY stays deep in the red below 156.00 in the Asian session on Wednesday. The US Dollar weakens despite the stronger-than-expected US Q3 Gross Domestic Product report, while the Japanese Yen capitalizes on looming risks of a forex market intervention by local authorities. 


Editors’ Picks

Gold: Record rally sustains above $4,500 on safe-haven flows

Gold: Record rally sustains above $4,500 on safe-haven flows

Gold sustains the record-setting rally above $4,500 in the Asian session on Wednesday. The Israel-Iran conflict and the escalating US-Venezuela tensions boost safe-haven flows into Gold. Furthermore, US Q3 GDP data fails to lift the US Dollar amid growing bets for two Fed rate cuts in 2026, underpinning the non-yielding bullion. 

AUD/USD: Buyers recapture 0.6700 on extended USD weakness

AUD/USD: Buyers recapture 0.6700 on extended USD weakness

AUD/USD is holding higher ground above 0.6700 in Wednesday's Asian trading as the US Dollar falls across the board. The Australian Dollar is catching a fresh bullish bid as the Reserve Bank of Australia faces down future interest rate hikes in 2026, while the Federal Reserve is expected to get caught in a long-run rate-cutting cycle, depressing Greenback market flows.

USD/JPY stays deep in the red below 156.00 on intervention risks

USD/JPY stays deep in the red below 156.00 on intervention risks

USD/JPY stays deep in the red below 156.00 in the Asian session on Wednesday. The US Dollar weakens despite the stronger-than-expected US Q3 Gross Domestic Product report, while the Japanese Yen capitalizes on looming risks of a forex market intervention by local authorities. 

The crypto market is preparing us for a deeper global sell-off

The crypto market is preparing us for a deeper global sell-off

The crypto market capitalisation fell by 1.4% to $2.97T, falling below the $3T mark once again. The market was unable to repeat the robust rebound from the local bottom, as it did after 23 November and 2 December, indicating increased pressure from sellers.

Ten questions that matter going into 2026

Ten questions that matter going into 2026

2026 may be less about a neat “base case” and more about a regime shift—the market can reprice what matters most (growth, inflation, fiscal, geopolitics, concentration). The biggest trap is false comfort: the same trades can look defensive… right up until they become crowded.

RECOMMENDED LESSONS

5 Forex News Events You Need To Know

In the fast moving world of currency markets where huge moves can seemingly come from nowhere, it is extremely important for new traders to learn about the various economic indicators and forex news events and releases that shape the markets. Indeed, quickly getting a handle on which data to look out for, what it means, and how to trade it can see new traders quickly become far more profitable and sets up the road to long term success.

Top 10 Chart Patterns Every Trader Should Know

Chart patterns are one of the most effective trading tools for a trader. They are pure price-action, and form on the basis of underlying buying and selling pressure. Chart patterns have a proven track-record, and traders use them to identify continuation or reversal signals, to open positions and identify price targets.

7 Ways to Avoid Forex Scams

The forex industry is recently seeing more and more scams. Here are 7 ways to avoid losing your money in such scams: Forex scams are becoming frequent. Michael Greenberg reports on luxurious expenses, including a submarine bought from the money taken from forex traders. Here’s another report of a forex fraud. So, how can we avoid falling in such forex scams?

What Are the 10 Fatal Mistakes Traders Make

Trading is exciting. Trading is hard. Trading is extremely hard. Some say that it takes more than 10,000 hours to master. Others believe that trading is the way to quick riches. They might be both wrong. What is important to know that no matter how experienced you are, mistakes will be part of the trading process.

Strategy

Money Management

Psychology

Best Brokers of 2025