Friday 18 June 2010

In The Rough

I watched the hugely interesting documentary, 'The Rise & Fall Of Tiger Woods' last night and boy was it an eye opener. I already knew that Tiger's late father Earl had crafted his career but was astonished at the lengths he'd gone too to ensure his son had the best chance of success. We've all heard of pushy parents but that guy took things to a different level! Maybe he went too far, but there's no doubting that what he did helped to create the World's greatest golfer.

The programme got me thinking. Do we all have the capacity to improve? If I'd practised for the same number of hours as Tiger, would the rate of my improvement have been as consistent and as rapid as his? The instinctive answer is no and the stock response is that we need natural talent but how do we know? Am I succeeding at trading because it suits my personal attributes, because I work harder than others or a due to a mixture of both?

One thing I can say is that you can't beat attention to detail, and after investing more time this year analysing my performance and studying the game of cricket it seems to be paying off.

Now, Who once said, "the harder I work the luckier I get?"

.

6 comments:

Kokoooooooo said...

very true indeed about the luck,
do you trade mainly cricket and rugby? and are you doing this for a living?

please can you consider exchanging links?

http://tradingbetfairfun.blogspot.com/

koko

Unknown said...

Hi Mark,

Would have loved to of watched the documentary as golf is a big passion of mine.

I'd say without doubt he is the most naturally talented golfer playing today and with his work ethic he is the best player but I also agree, practice makes perfect. I'd bet that Tiger could teach any young teenager with an interest in golf to get to scratch within 5/6 years regardless of talent. It's that last 2% that makes the difference between a good golfer and a great golfer.

Mark Iverson said...

Hi Koko,

Yep, Cricket is my main sport with around 80% of my profits coming from it. Rugby Union, Darts and the NFL tend to be the supporting sports that top up the balance.

In May 2008 I was given the opportunity by my employer to reduce my working hours so I decided to try and address the life/work balance. I now work 3 days a week as a Project Manager and the rest of the time on the betting exchanges.

Link exchanged ;-)

All the best,

Mark

Mark Iverson said...

Hi John,

You can!

Try looking here:

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/tiger-woods-the-rise-and-fall/4od#3080040

Amazing that he was conditioned to be in effect a Golf robot. Just goes to show that all that regimental training pays off eh?

All the ebst mate,

Mark

Jesse said...

Thanks for the link, fascinating documentary. You feel that it could have gone on for another hour with interesting material.

I'm someone who started betting for fun, lost a little, but after a bit of success i'm becoming more interested in studying my choice of sports to try and turn consistent profit. Apart form working hard, what advice would you give?

Do you think some sports are more profitable than others? I am interested in football mainly, but I know alot of people are of the opinion that it is too random so they stay away. What attracts you to cricket? Love of the game, or conviction that it is a profitable sport?

Mark Iverson said...

Hi Jesse,

Sorry for the delay in replying - just saw your comment.

Feel free to email me at mark@markiverson.com if you like and I'll help as much as I can.

Please put 'BLOG' as the subject header.

All the best,

Mark

www.stanjames.com