The Quiet Curve of the Bow
Mastery is not loud—it’s balanced, humble, and always in service to something greater
Welcome to Day 78! Today marks the beginning of your final week in this program—a powerful opportunity to celebrate your growth, reflect on your journey, and prepare to carry the principles of the Tao forward in trading and life.
The Tao teaches us that humility and gratitude are the cornerstones of mastery. Humility keeps us open to growth, while gratitude reminds us to honor every step of the journey. As you enter this final week, focus on aligning with these principles to finish strong and prepare for the next chapter of your evolution.
Verse 77: Humility and Balance
"The Tao is like a bow that is bent to shoot an arrow.
The top is bent downward; the bottom is bent up.
It adjusts excess and deficiency so that all is in balance.
Therefore the Master takes from those who have too much, and gives to those who have not enough.
The Master’s way is to work without claiming.
She achieves without boasting.
She has no desire to seem superior."
This verse reminds us that humility and balance are key to mastery. In trading, this means staying grounded in your process, honoring the lessons of both wins and losses, and approaching each day with gratitude for the journey.
Today’s Focus: Aligning with Humility and Gratitude
Humility and gratitude complete the circle of mastery. Today, you’ll reflect on these principles and set intentions for your final week, ensuring that you carry forward the clarity and confidence you’ve cultivated.
Five Steps to Sharpen Your Edge Today
1. Begin Your Week 12 Breathwork Practice
Revisit the Week 12 Wim Hof Method Progression:
Perform 12 rounds of 30 deep breaths: inhale fully, exhale effortlessly.
On the last exhale of each round, hold your breath for as long as feels comfortable—then push yourself to hold an additional 10–15 seconds beyond your usual limit.
When you need to breathe, inhale deeply, hold for 60 seconds, and release slowly.
Reflect on how gratitude for each breath grounds you and reinforces your connection to the Tao.
Notice how this practice prepares you for a focused and intentional week.
2. Reflect on Humility in Your Journey
Take 5–10 minutes to journal on these prompts:
How has humility helped me stay open to growth during this program?
What lessons or challenges reminded me to stay grounded and flexible?
How can I continue to embody humility in my trading and life?
🖊️ Write down one way you’ll practice humility during this final week.
3. Begin the Week with Gratitude
Take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for in your trading journey:
Write down three specific things you’re grateful for—whether it’s progress you’ve made, lessons you’ve learned, or opportunities to grow.
Affirm: “I approach this week with gratitude and intention.”
Notice how this practice sets a positive tone for the days ahead.
4. Visualize a Balanced and Confident Week
Close your eyes and take a few moments to visualize yourself trading with balance, confidence, and clarity:
Picture yourself preparing for each session with focus and calmness.
See yourself executing your plan with discipline and reflecting on each session with gratitude.
Let this vision inspire and ground you as you prepare for the week.
5. Set Goals for Your Final Week
Write down two goals for this week:
One trading-related goal: e.g., “Trade only when setups align fully with my edge.”
One personal goal: e.g., “Spend 5 minutes journaling each evening to reflect on the day.”
These goals will help you stay focused and aligned as you complete the program.
Mantra for the Week
"I approach this final week with humility, gratitude, and confidence. Every step brings me closer to mastery."
Closing Thought
As you enter this final week, focus on embodying the principles of humility and gratitude. These qualities will guide you as you reflect on your journey, finish strong, and prepare to carry forward the lessons of the Tao. Mastery is a journey, and you’ve done incredible work every step of the way.
Tomorrow, we’ll dive into Verse 78, exploring how resilience and adaptability strengthen your edge.
Here’s to humility, gratitude, and mastery,
Stephan