At some point during your entrepreneur journey you will begin to find some success and with that success finally comes some excess cash.  If you are like I was when I started to gain more success and create excess cash, I needed to find a way to invest and make it grow exponentially, but fit that into my day to day alongside building businesses working 80 hours a week.  

I started investing in real estate, but I also starting investing in the stock market.  Like most newbie investors in the market, I just bought stocks and hoped they went up.  Sometimes I made money, more often I didn't.  Then I found options and started trading those, but like most people who don't have a true strategy with an edge, I would win and then give my wins back.  I ultimately made nothing. 

It was at this point that I took a step back and really looked at the markets.  It occured to me that if you do what everyone else does, you will get the results of everyone else and most don't make any money.  I started asking questions.  A lot of questions.  One of the questions I asked myself was "How do I put the odds in my favor from the start and not have to sit in front of a screen all day watching markets?"  Soon after, I had my big "aha" moment.  I realized that most people who buy stocks or options have just a 33% chance of making money because a stock or option can go 3 different ways:  Up, Down, or Stay the Same.  To put that in perspective, the odds at a blackjack table in a casino are 46.36%.  People are literally better off going to the casino than just buying stocks or options.

One I realized this, I asked another question.  I asked, "If buying a stock or option gives you a 33% chance of winning, then who has the 67% chance? Because that is who I want to be!"  It is the sellers.  But, how can you be a seller in the markets?  Initially, this was discouraging as to be a seller of stock, you need to either be taking a company to IPO in the markets or be an accredited investor who invests in IPOs.  At the time, neither was an option for me.  So, I did some investigating and found that there are a few different types of trades where you can be a seller.  Those trades are selling cash-secured puts, covered calls, and credit spread trades.  Don't worry if you aren't sure what these mean or are because you can learn about them.  

Once I educated myself  on these types of trades, I doubled down asking how I could improve my odds of winning from 67% to a higher level.  Over the course of a few years, I figured out and put together a strategy that allowed me to achieve win rates of over 90% on my trades - and even more important, I found that I could do it in less than 12 minutes a day!  How would you like to grow your wealth with 12 minutes or less per day of effort and give yourself an over 90% chance of making money?  Most people would jump at that chance.  

But, there is a catch.  That catch is that the way I trade is not for homeruns.  It is small returns day in and day out, week in and week out, etc. that add up to homerun like returns over time.  Most people want everything NOW.  We have been conditioned for instant gratification and success.  People want to to take $1000 and turn it into $1 million overnight.  That doesn't happen.  Creating consistent income in the markets takes discipline and consistency.  But, overtime, it is amazing how you can grow wealth by stacking the odds in your favor and not getting too greedy.

Over a decade ago, I started sharing my strategies and helping other entrepreneurs learn how to put their money to work for them.  I created a service called 12 Minute Trading where I teach these strategies and share every trade I do in a weekly newsletter and updates throughout the week.  I can honestly say, it is the most comprehensive options selling service in the market place.  If you are interested to learn more and get a free trial of the service, you can click here.  It gives you a video series and my E-books on trading to help you learn and get started as well as the free trial.

You can also follow the 12 Minute Trading YouTube Channel where myself and top-trading mentor, Doc Severson share education and market commentary each and every week.

Here's to your success and building your wealth!

Mental toughness is critical to success.  It plays a role in all areas of our lives.  But, what does it mean to be "mentally tough?"  And how do you know that you are building mental toughness in your life?

Over the years, I have found that there are 6 signs that someone is mentally tough.  Here they are and more importantly, here's you can foster them in your life.

They Ask "How?"

Mentally tough people don't let setbacks, obstacles, or being told "no" get in their way.  Instead, they ask "How?"  How can something be done?  How can the desired result be achieved?  By asking "How?"  this activates the part of the brain that starts you thinking and looking for other ways to solve a problem...it spurs innovation and creation.  The next time you find yourself thinking something cannot be done, ask "How can it be done?" and then start to put your ideas down.  You'll find the solution may be right in front of you.

They Understand Logic vs Emotion

99% of people make decisions or react to the things that happen in their lives with emotion.  They have emotional responses to just about everything.  There is a time and place for emotion, but it can also get your into trouble.  Everyone has had a time (or many times) in their life where they reacted out emotion and regretted it later.  The mentally tough understand when to seperate emotion and logic and use logic to to help overcome challenges and achieve their goals.  For example, maybe there is a time where you gave up on something in your life.  I bet if you looked back on it, it was emotion that drove the decision.  You may have gotten to a point where "you just could not take it anymore" and you gave in.  That is emotion.  And every one has those moments, including the mentally tough.  The difference is, the mentally tough recognize the emotion in the moment and separate it out.  They then look at the situation logically and see how best to manage it based on what they can control, not focusing on what they cannot.  They take action and work through - but don't give in unless the logic bears out that it is a fruitless effort.  How can you better separate emotion and logic at key moments in your life?

They are Humble, But Believe in Themselves 

The mentally tough may sometimes seem to be arrogant or have a higher opinion of themselves.  The truth is that they are humble, but they have taken the time to "know thyself" and who they are and believe in themselves, their capabilities, and their potential.  And they have built their mental strength up so that what others say or think does not bother them.  Most of the time, they have a quiet confidence as they work toward what they want.  There is nothing wrong with believing in yourself and charting your own path where others do not think is possible - just make sure to stay humble and be true.  

They Keep Going in Spite of Fear 

It may be surprising to note that the mentally tough get scared just like anyone else.  They question things and have fear come into their lives.  But, it should not be surprising that they have the mental fortitude to keep going in spite of the fear, the worry, and the doubts.  This is where they separate emotion and logic the most.  They recognize the emotional response of fear, but use their logic to work methodically through it and push forward through the fear.  The next time you find yourself feeling fear, doubt, or worry - stop and ask yourself "What action can I take now that will help me in getting past this?"  Then do it.  

They Stand Strong in the Face of Real Adversity

True adversity is different than fear.  Fear can come and go on a whim, but real adversity stares in you in the face and can seem insumountable.  It takes a lot to overcome real adversity.  Storming the beaches of Normandy and defeating the German army on D-Day was real adversity.  It took the will to keep going and find a way or make one.  The mentally tough do the same.  They find the will to keep going in the toughest times in their lives.  They will not let themslves give in or give up in the pursuit of their goals and what they want.  What is the biggest adversity you face in your life right now?  Are you shying away from it and taking it head on and working to overcome it?  I can promise that if you choose to take it on and keep going until you get through it, you will be a better stronger person for it.  

They are Extremely Disciplined

Mentally stong people are extremely disciplined in their lives and they use the discipline and structure they have created to help them stay mentally strong.  In fact, being disciplined gives them the consistency in their day to be more effective and action oriented.  It also helps to keep them on the path to success.  Additionally, because for many, part of the structure is devoted to their health, it helps to keep them in their best shape physically and mentally to stay at their best.  Do you have discipline and structure in your life?  Do you hit the ground running each day knowing exactly what you need to do an accomplish for the day or do you find yourself going through days more aimlessly and distracted?  In order to be your best, you must be productive.  In order to do that, you must have discipline.  

If you are looking to improve your mental toughness, take the time start incorporating these 6 traits into your life and before long, you will see the difference they can make.  

I came across this excellent compilation of top entrepreneurs giving them best advice to succeed as an entrepreneur.  There is more wisdom in this short 20 min video than you'll get in more MBA classes!  Enjoy!

I have no ties to England.  I am a US citizen and have very little English heritage that I am aware of.  But, as many others, I felt the gravity and significance of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II lst week.  Teh queen reigned for over 70 years and during that time saw 15 UK Prime Ministers, 13 of the last 14 US Presidents, took over 260 official visits on behalf of her country, and was the longest serving monarch in British History.  

While I cannot relate to her as the citizens of the UK have and did - I found her to be a truly amazing person and over the years took note of some of the things that set her apart and helped her to be such an amazing icon.  

Here are 5 Business and Life Lessons that I found from observing from Queen Elizabeth.

1.  The importance of Stoicism

The queen was one of the greatest example of stoicism.  She was able to go through tremendous challenges, pain, hardships, world wars, death, world catastophe as well as bring light into the world through her presence and message - all with a calm grace and dignification seldom seen in others.  She embodied "Keep Calm and Carry On."  We would do well to remember this lesson in our lives and not let emotions get the best of us in situations.  

2.)  How You Do Anything is How You Do Everything

In over 70 years, there was never scandal that involved the queen.  Not even a mistake in a speech or comment that was said the wrong way.  Think about how routinely leaders have scandals or issues come up and that are dragged out in the media.  The queen never had this happen.  Yes, there were controversial things surrounding members of her family, but she was someone that everyone always could count on and if she had a bad day, it never showed.  This carried throughout all of areas of her life.  How she was in public was how she was in private.  She set her values and lived by them.  How many of us can say we do the same?  We should strive do things consistently by our values and not waver.

3.)  Treat Others with Respect Even if You Disagree With or Dislike Them

The queen visited with everyone from US Presidents to Vladimir Putin and Bashar Assad.  But, you never knew her politics.  She treated everyone with dignity, grace, and respect.  She would work diplomatically with leaders, but force her political opinions on them nor argue politics.  With stoicism, she calmly and plainly worked for the best outcome.  We must do the same in our lives.  Treat all with respect regardless of your opinions and do your best to keep your opinions out of things.

4.)  Seek and Share Wisdom

I think most people would agree that the queen was or seemed wise when she spoke or acted.  70 years of leading will no doubt give you the experience.  But, it should be noted that the queen sought wisdom and counsel.  She didn't just act or react on a whim, but sought wisdom and counsel and the best course.  She was methodical, reasoned, and true.  We must seek wisdom and counsel in our lived and share what we have learned to help others.

5.)  Don't Forget to Enjoy Life

While to queen had tremendous duties and eyes all around the world watching her every move, she seemed to find ways to enjoy life.  Yes, she pretty much had everything she could have wanted, but there are plenty of people who have everything and are miserable.  The queen found joy in life and had fun as well.  If you've ever seen her "Paddington Bear Commercial" you have an idea of her sense of humor.   We must not forget, not matter our what happens in our lives, to find the joy that exist around us and experience life.