Master Trader with Be-Do-Have

What is Be-Do-Have

The “Be Do Have” model is a transformative philosophy in personal growth and self-development circles that flips the traditional approach to achieving goals. Instead of focusing first on what you want to have (results), it emphasizes starting with who you need to be (identity), which then informs what you do (actions), ultimately leading to the outcomes you desire. Below is the breakdown of the concept and its power.

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1. The Traditional Approach: “Have → Do → Be”

Most people operate in this order:

• “If I have [money, success, love], then I can do [what I want], and finally I’ll be [happy, fulfilled, confident].”
  This mindset ties fulfillment to external outcomes, often leading to frustration, dependency on circumstances, and a sense of powerlessness.

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2. The “Be Do Have” Model

This framework reverses the sequence:
Be → Do → Have

• Be: Start by embodying the identity, mindset, and beliefs of the person who has already achieved your goal.
• Do: Take actions aligned with that identity.
• Have: The results naturally follow as a byproduct of consistent action rooted in your new way of being.

Example:

• Goal: Financial freedom.
• Traditional: “If I have $1 million, I’ll do what I love, and be secure.”
• Be Do Have:
  • Be: Adopt the mindset of a financially disciplined, resourceful person.
  • Do: Save, invest, and spend intentionally.
  • Have: Wealth accumulates over time.

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Why It Works

• Identity Shapes Behavior: Your self-image dictates your actions. If you identify as a healthy person, you’ll naturally act like one (e.g., exercise, eat well).
• Eliminates Limiting Beliefs: By focusing on “being” first, you bypass excuses like “I don’t have enough time/money/skills.”
• Sustainable Change: Internal transformation (mindset) drives lasting external results, rather than relying on willpower alone.

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Be-Do-Have of Master Trader

Absolutely! Applying the “Be Do Have” model to becoming a Master Trader in the U.S. stock market is a powerful way to align your mindset, actions, and goals. Here’s how to structure your journey using this framework:

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1. BE: Cultivate the Identity of a Master Trader

Who are you?
Adopt the mindset, beliefs, and identity of a seasoned trader before you see results.

Key Traits to Embody

• Discipline: “I follow my trading plan relentlessly, even when emotions run high.”
• Emotional Detachment: “I treat wins and losses as data points, not personal victories or failures.”
• Resilience: “I learn from losses and stay focused on long-term success.”
• Adaptability: “I evolve with the market, never clinging to outdated strategies.”
• Curiosity: “I obsessively study market behavior and refine my edge.”

Beliefs to Internalize

• “The market is a mirror—it reflects my psychology and preparation.”
• “Risk management is non-negotiable.”
• “Consistency beats short-term luck.”

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2. DO: Take Actions Aligned with Your Identity

What does a Master Trader do daily?

Daily/Weekly Actions

• Trading Plan Development:

1. Define entry/exit rules, position sizing, and risk-reward ratios (e.g., “Never risk >1% per trade”).
2. Pre-define scenarios (e.g., “If the Fed hikes rates, I reduce tech exposure”).

• Market Analysis Rituals:

1. Pre-market: Scan earnings reports, economic calendars, and overnight futures.
2. Post-market: Review trades, update journals, and study price action.

• Risk Management Discipline:

1. Set stop-losses before entering trades.
2. Regularly audit portfolio diversification (e.g., sector exposure, liquidity).

• Continuous Learning:

1. Study market history (e.g., 2008 crash, 2020 volatility) to recognize patterns.
2. Backtest strategies using historical data (Tools: TradingView, Thinkorswim).
3. Learn from mentors or trading communities (e.g., SMB Capital, Real Life Trading).

• Journaling:

1. Track every trade: Why did I enter? Did I follow the plan? What did I learn?
2. Review journals weekly to identify recurring mistakes (e.g., overtrading).

• Emotional Mastery Practices:

1. Meditation or breathwork to stay calm during market swings.
2. Avoid checking P&L mid-session (focus on process, not profits).

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3. HAVE: The Outcomes of Being and Doing

Results will follow naturally:

• Consistent profitability: Small, repeatable gains compounded over time.
• Reputation: Trusted by peers for disciplined execution and insights.
• Freedom: Financial independence and flexibility to trade on your terms.
• Resilience: Ability to navigate bear markets and black swan events.

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Example: Applying “Be Do Have” to a Trading Scenario

Scenario: Trading a volatile earnings report (e.g., NVIDIA).

• BE:
  • “I am a disciplined trader who respects risk and avoids FOMO.”
• DO:
  • Pre-define a strategy: “Only trade if the stock gaps up >5% with high volume.”
  • Set stop-loss at 2% below entry and take-profit at 4% gain.
  • Avoid chasing the price if it spikes unpredictably.
• HAVE:
  • Outcome: A controlled, low-risk trade (win or lose).
  • Long-term result: Survival to trade another day.

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Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Overtrading: Acting on boredom or ego, not strategy.
  • Fix: “I am a patient trader—no setup, no trade.”

• Revenge Trading: Trying to recover losses impulsively.
  • Fix: “I accept losses as tuition and stick to my rules.”

• Neglecting Risk: Betting too big on “sure things.”
  • Fix: “I am a risk manager first, trader second.”

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Key Habits of Master Traders

• Pre-Market Routine:
  6:00 AM: Scan news, watchlist, earnings, and futures.
  8:00 AM: Identify 3 high-probability setups and prepare the trading plan.
• Trading Hours:
  Focus only on your plan—ignore social media hype.
• Post-Market:
  Journal trades, review performance metrics (win rate, average gain/loss).

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Start Small, Think Big

• Begin with paper trading to practice your “Be” and “Do” without financial risk.
• Master one strategy (e.g., breakout trading) before expanding.
• Celebrate process wins: Sticking to your plan is a victory, regardless of P&L.

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Final Quote

“The market is a ruthless teacher. It doesn’t care what you want—it only responds to who you are.”

By focusing on being a Master Trader first, your actions and results will align with that identity.

And I truly believe that to be a successful investor/trader, it is 90% psychology + Money Management and only 10% strategy. And I am excited about the Master Trader Bootcamp organize by Beyond Insights (one of the award winning educator based in Malaysia). Master your Emotion, Master Your Trade! Do take note that, there is a pre-requisite in order to join the bootcamp which is the trend trading workshop. It is part of their VTP programme consists of Growth Investing, Swing and Trend Trade workshop. You can find out more on VTP in their 3 hours free preview in their upcoming online webinar on Global Investing & Trading Made Simple.

This post is part of Making Money in the Stock Market, where you can read about the overview of strategies in investment and short term trading.