Recently, I had the pleasure of joining Michael Martin on his Trader Mindset podcast for a deep and honest conversation about what it really takes to trade in volatile markets.
One of the biggest takeaways I shared — and something I’ve been reflecting on a lot lately — is that these days, I’m more focused on finding strategies to keep my head on straight than I am on searching for new trading strategies with some theoretical edge.
Because here’s the hard truth: without a clear, steady mindset, even the best strategy in the world will eventually fail me.
Of course, Michael and I also dug into how volatility — especially as measured by the VIX — shapes the playing field for traders, particularly those of us in the options world. We explored how elevated VIX levels impact trade selection, timing, and risk management, and why high volatility environments demand a different, more nimble approach.
One of the key themes we kept circling back to was the psychological side of trading. Because let’s face it: when the market’s flying all over the place and my P&L is jumping around just as fast, my internal state can become my biggest liability — or my greatest asset. Maintaining mental clarity and emotional balance becomes non-negotiable.
We both shared stories — some wins, many losses — that reminded us how often the most valuable lessons come from mistakes. But it’s not enough to just make mistakes and move on. The real growth comes from taking the time to reflect, process, and learn. Trading, in that sense, becomes less about chasing gains and more about mastering yourself.
Ultimately, the conversation landed on the importance of self-awareness — knowing my triggers, my tendencies, my emotional cycles — and how that knowledge can lead to better, more intentional decisions. Especially when the markets are anything but calm.
We also talked about defining risk clearly before entering any trade, and not being afraid to sit on my hands when the setup isn’t right. Discipline, patience, and self-control might not sound sexy, but they’re what keep me in the game.
If you’re navigating these uncertain markets and looking for a grounded, real-world discussion on mindset, trading psychology, and staying sane while doing this work — I think you’ll find a lot of value in this episode.
Give it a watch or a listen — I think you’ll enjoy it:
Sean McLaughlin | Chief Options Strategist, All Star Charts
