Paraphrasing Jason Zweig in his book, Your Money & Your Brain – How the New Science of Neuroeconomics Can Help Make You Rich: The Reflexive brain system are the older pieces of the brain I was referring to above. Basically, when acting on your first impulse, as most traders do, you are using your reflexive brain system – and if you only rely on your reflexive brain, you’re essentially gambling, not trading. The reflexive part of your brain is being rewarding not from inactivity, potato chips and TV, but instead from endorphins, strength, fitness and overall better health – this was something you planned and used discipline and commitment to follow through with, which stemmed from your reflective brain systems.