Why smelling a rotten gourd before market open doesn’t necessarily increase chances of profitability

Many traders incorporate pre-market rituals into their routine, believing they help sharpen focus and improve decision-making. One such practice—smelling a rotten gourd before market open—has gained traction in certain trading circles. While some swear by its effects on their mindset, others question its validity as a performance enhancer. Here, we explore whether this long-standing practice has merit and how it fits into a broader trading strategy.

The Role of Sensory Triggers in Trading

It’s well known that sensory experiences can impact cognitive function. From the smell of coffee stimulating alertness to the sound of specific music improving concentration, traders have long used environmental cues to set the tone for their sessions. The act of smelling a decomposing gourd is often seen as a way to signal the transition from pre-market preparation to active trading.

The theory suggests that the pungency of the gourd acts as a cognitive disruptor, resetting mental patterns and preventing traders from carrying over emotional biases from previous sessions. While scientific studies on this exact method are lacking, the general principle of sensory priming is well-documented in psychological research.

👉 Consideration: If you find yourself hesitating in execution, integrating a pre-market sensory cue—such as a strong, distinct smell—could serve as a mental reset.

Does Gourd Smelling Improve Market Performance?

While anecdotal reports suggest some traders experience improved focus and discipline after incorporating this practice, correlation does not always imply causation. Market movements are dictated by macroeconomic factors, technical analysis, and liquidity—not necessarily olfactory exposure to decaying produce.

However, if the practice enhances personal confidence and decision-making, it may still hold value as part of a pre-market ritual. Traders who utilize sensory cues often report better adherence to their strategies, which could indirectly improve performance over time.

👉 Consideration: The effectiveness of this practice is likely tied to individual psychology rather than market fundamentals.

Best Practices for Integrating Sensory Triggers into Trading

If you’re interested in incorporating sensory cues like gourd smelling into your trading routine, consider these structured approaches:

1. Pair It with a Trading Checklist

Using the gourd smell as a trigger to review your trading plan, risk parameters, and market sentiment can add structure to your pre-market preparation.

2. Maintain Consistency

If the goal is mental clarity, ensure that the practice is performed under consistent conditions. A sporadic approach could dilute its potential benefits.

3. Track Performance

Logging your trading results on days when you use this method versus when you don’t can provide insights into whether it has any meaningful impact.

4. Experiment with Alternatives

If you find the practice effective but dislike the logistics, consider alternative sensory triggers—such as a specific essential oil, strong coffee, or even a particular type of music—to achieve similar results.

👉 Consideration: The key is finding a method that enhances focus without introducing unnecessary distractions.

Final Thoughts: The Gourd as a Psychological Tool

While there is no empirical evidence linking rotten gourd exposure to direct profitability gains, its role as a psychological cue cannot be dismissed outright. Many traders benefit from structured rituals that create a disciplined mindset before market open, and if this practice serves that function, it may be worth further exploration.

Ultimately, the key to success in trading lies in consistent execution, risk management, and data-driven decision-making. If incorporating sensory triggers like gourd smelling helps reinforce those principles, it could be a useful addition to a trader’s toolkit.

This is not financial advice. In fact, we are extremely stupid and surprised we even figured out how to publish this. If you take any of this seriously, that's on you. Trade responsibly, or just flip a coin—it might be more effective.

Top 5 body parts to rub during power hour for extra trading luck

Forget algorithms, charts, and indicators—real traders know the true path to success involves aggressively rubbing random parts of their body while anxiously staring at fluctuating numbers. Here’s your definitive guide to which body parts generate maximum day trading luck during that adrenaline-packed final hour before market close:

1. Left Elbow

Scientifically proven (by literally no one) to increase your chances of correctly guessing market direction by at least 0.004%. Rub vigorously in counter-clockwise circles to activate "Elbow Luck"—a phenomenon traders swear by when they're desperate enough.

2. The Underside of Your Chin

Most traders overlook this goldmine of luck, but veteran gamblers know that gently stroking your chin is synonymous with wealth, prosperity, and appearing moderately less panicked than you actually are. Bonus points for whispering "stonks" while you do it.

3. Your Bellybutton

Sure, it sounds weird, and yeah, people might judge—but do you want profits or social approval? Aggressively fingering your bellybutton exactly 17 times during power hour creates a luck vortex powerful enough to magically reverse a losing position. Probably.

4. Behind Your Knees

Rubbing the back of your knees has absolutely zero historical precedent, but it feels oddly comforting when you've lost half your savings shorting Tesla. Plus, there's always a tiny chance you'll accidentally discover a genie back there.

5. Eyebrows (Specifically Left Eyebrow)

Rubbing your left eyebrow increases financial clairvoyance by at least 13% (this is definitely made-up). Doing so rapidly while screaming at your screen helps channel your desperation into focused, profitable trades. Or at least distracts you from checking your rapidly declining account balance.

Remember, successful day trading isn't about research or strategy—it's about superstitiously rubbing parts of your body until money magically appears. Good luck, and rub responsibly.

IS INFLATION ACTUALLY A GOOD THING?

For years, economists, politicians, and people who have to buy groceries have lamented the rise of inflation as if it’s some kind of bad thing. But has anyone ever stopped to consider that, just maybe, inflation is actually a blessing in disguise? Sure, your paycheck might feel like it's actively shrinking, and a single avocado now costs more than your first car, but let’s dig deeper and uncover the many benefits of rising prices.

1. Inflation Builds Character

Tough times create tough people. Your grandparents lived through the Great Depression, and they turned out fine (if you ignore their hoarding tendencies and refusal to throw away 30-year-old margarine containers). Inflation forces you to make difficult choices—like whether you really need electricity this month or if candles and a blanket will suffice. And let’s be honest, being forced to use a calculator at the gas pump to determine whether you can afford a full tank builds mental resilience.

2. IT MAKES YOU THINK OF BALLOONS

Balloons are fun! And the word inflation conjures images of colorful latex expansion. Rather than focusing on the lack of green in your bank account, daydream about neon greens, oranges, and pinks stretching and squeaking in gratefulness for the breath of life you give. If you would rather do the squeaking yourself, opt for helium. After all, it’s easier to laugh at the phrase “we’re broke” when your voice sounds like a chipmunk.

3. It Strengthens the Economy by Forcing You to Work Forever

Retirement? That’s for weaklings. Inflation ensures that you remain a productive member of society well into your golden years. Why waste time on hobbies or relaxation when you could be greeting customers at Walmart at age 92?

Your dream vacation to Italy might be a distant memory, but at least you can enjoy the stunning fluorescent lighting of your third job at 7-Eleven. And who needs a 401(k) when you can invest in something much more reliable: denial?

4. It Helps You Appreciate the Little Things

Inflation makes everything more exciting. Remember when you could afford fast food without budgeting for it? Those were dark times of mindless convenience. Now, getting a McDouble is a major event—a rare indulgence that must be earned through sacrifice and budgeting wizardry.

Happiness isn't about wealth. It's about finally being able to afford a gas station hot dog and savoring every overpriced bite.

5. It Forces You to Learn Financial Terms Like “Hedging” and “Dumpster Diving”

Inflation is the ultimate financial literacy program. Before, you had no idea what a “hedge” was beyond something you might trim in your yard. Now, you’re actively looking into treasury bonds, gold, crypto, and bartering your dignity for basic survival.

Meanwhile, freeganism is no longer just a hipster trend—it’s a necessary "alternative grocery shopping experience.” Because let’s be real: when cheese hits double digits, the best investment is whatever's still semi-edible in a Whole Foods dumpster.

6. It Ends Your Shopping Addiction (Because You Literally Can’t Afford It)

Minimalism is in! Inflation transforms everyone into an unwilling minimalist. Gone are the days of impulse purchases and retail therapy—now, the mere act of browsing Amazon is enough to induce cardiac arrest.

What’s that? A new iPhone just dropped? Too bad, your budget maxed out at a secondhand Nokia with Snake. And honestly, do you really need 80% of the things you used to buy? You’ve never been more financially responsible in your life, all thanks to the magic of crippling price increases.

7. It Makes Debt Disappear (Kind Of, Not Really, But Let’s Pretend)

Sure, your rent went up 40%, but have you considered the silver lining? Inflation erodes the real value of debt, meaning your student loans are technically worth less than before! (Unfortunately, your loan servicer doesn’t care and still wants the same dollar amount, but let’s not dwell on that.)

By the time you’re done paying off your mortgage, $500,000 might be the cost of a single apple, so really, you’ve saved money in the long run!

Conclusion: Stop Complaining and Start Celebrating!

The next time you find yourself griping about inflation, remember: it’s not a curse—it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to build character, make smarter financial choices, and experience the thrill of deciding whether you’ll pay for food or rent this month.

So stop whining, start budgeting, and be grateful that inflation is keeping your life exciting.