A Morning Ritual
"Ask yourself the following first thing in the morning:
What am I lacking in attaining freedom from passion?
What for tranquility?
What am I? A mere body, estate-holder, or reputation? None of these things.
What, then? A rational being.
What then is demanded of me? Meditate on your actions.
How did I steer away from serenity? What did I do that was unfriendly, unsocial, or uncaring?
What did I fail to do in all these things?"
— Epictetus, Discourses
I wouldn't say that I have a morning ritual as such, apart from a ginger shot and then that first cup of coffee!
I did however, get into the habit of having a pre-trading ritual though. If I am trading on a day off from work (trading has enabled me to go part time these days which is a much nicer work/leisure balance) I will generally do a short meditation and take a walk to clear my mind, to be ready and focused to trade. I also have a "Trading Discipline" word document which is basically a collective of my ramblings and muses and also some great quotes from others that I have found. I read this each day before I start trading; it takes me about 10 minutes to read it so it's not too long and it inspires me to get into the right mindset and it helps enormously.
This is pretty much my pre-trading ritual and I find it really helps me to get into a set routine for the up and coming trading session.
Do you have a pre-trading ritual or a certain routine before trading? Maybe it is something you should consider? If it helps you become a better trader than why not give it a try?