What Can Mike Tyson Teach Traders About Discipline - Part 2
Postscript
In my last post, I shared Mike Tyson’s definition of discipline: “Discipline is doing what you hate to do, but doing it like you love it.”
I highlighted four areas where this mindset can transform your trading.
The response was strong—but a few readers raised a fair question:
“Didn’t Tyson’s career fall apart? Isn’t he a bad example of discipline?”
From a force of nature…
Let’s clear something up: I referenced Tyson’s quote—not his full biography. The quote stands on its own as one of the best definitions of discipline I’ve come across.
But Tyson’s story also adds depth to the lesson.
If you followed his early career as I did, you know how dominant he was. Trained by the legendary Cus D’Amato, Tyson wasn’t just powerful—he was a student of the sport. He’d studied past champions, knew boxing history inside and out, and fought with precision, purpose and extreme power. At his peak, no fighter brought more fear into the ring.
…to a cautionary tale
But when D’Amato passed away, Tyson lost more than a coach—he lost his anchor. Two critical things vanished:
1. His mentor.
Anders Ericsson wrote in Peak that almost every elite performer has a mentor. It’s true in sports, and it’s true in trading. I wouldn’t be where I am without the guidance of great traders during my career.
2. His discipline.
Tyson still had knockout power. He still had experience. But without discipline, everything unraveled. Quickly.
The real lesson
This is the takeaway:
Discipline isn’t just part of success. It’s what holds everything else together—your edge, your technique, your mindset.
Mike Tyson’s quote captures the spirit of discipline.
His downfall reminds us what happens when it disappears.
As traders, we need knowledge, strategy and edge. But without discipline, it all falls apart.
Discipline is the glue.
Lose that, and you lose everything.
Keep Grinding
Gary