“If you can survive, you can grow. If you chase, you’re done.”

Trader Jelle Jitze: “The market will humble you faster than you can press Buy.”

Describe your best trade.

My best trade was a high-probability XAUUSD breakout during a news-driven session. I identified liquidity above a key resistance level, waited for a wick rejection, and entered with a tight Stop Loss of around $4. The move extended over $12 in my favour, giving me a clean 3:1 RRR trade. What made this trade my best wasn’t just the profit, but the execution: patience, precise entry, and strict risk management. I followed my plan exactly and scaled risk appropriately without emotions.

Where have you learnt about FTMO?

Instagram.

What was the most difficult during your FTMO Challenge or Verification, and how did you overcome it?

The most difficult part was managing psychology under the Daily Loss Limit. Knowing that 2–3 bad trades could end the day adds pressure. I overcame this by reducing risk per trade, limiting myself to high-quality setups only, and strictly stopping after 1–2 losses. I focused on consistency instead of forcing trades, which made a big difference.

How did you eliminate the factor of luck in your trading?

I eliminated luck by building a rule-based system. Every trade I take has a defined entry, Stop Loss, and Profit Target with a minimum reward-to-risk ratio. I only trade A+ setups, use fixed risk percentages, and journal all trades. Over time, this creates consistency where results come from execution and discipline, not randomness.

How has passing the FTMO Challenge and Verification changed your life?

It didn’t suddenly turn me into a millionaire overnight — but it did something more important: it proved to me that discipline actually pays. I went from “this could work” to “this works if I stick to the rules.”

What is the number one piece of advice you would give to a new trader?

Stop trying to get rich in one trade. The market will humble you faster than you can press Buy. Focus on risk management first; profits come later. If you can survive, you can grow. If you chase, you’re done. Simple as that.

Trader Jean Christian: “Treat the Stop Loss as an operational cost of the business.”

How would you rate your experience with FTMO?

My experience has been excellent. The platform is highly professional, the rules are clear, and the trader support provides the necessary confidence to focus solely on performance.

What do you think is the most important characteristic/attribute to become a profitable trader?

Unwavering discipline. More than understanding charts, you need the discipline to stick to your trading plan even when the market looks tempting or when emotions try to take over.

What was the hardest obstacle on your trading journey?

Overcoming the bias of wanting to "revenge trade" or recover a loss immediately. Understanding that the market is a marathon, not a sprint, was the biggest psychological challenge I had to overcome to become consistent.

How did you manage your emotions when you were in a losing trade?

I learned to focus on the process rather than the immediate financial result. If I followed my risk management and strategy, I would treat the Stop Loss as an operational cost of the business, thereby removing the emotional weight of the loss.

What was easier than expected during the FTMO Challenge or Verification?

The clarity of the metrics in the Account MetriX dashboard. Having real-time tracking of loss limits and objectives made the self-management process much simpler than I had anticipated.

One piece of advice for people starting the FTMO Challenge now.

Don't be in a hurry to pass in just a few days. Time is your ally if you have solid risk management. Treat the account capital as if it were your own hard-earned money, and consistency will follow naturally.

Trader Oleksii: “You can’t achieve consistent results through random actions.”

Has your psychology ever affected your trading plan?

Of course it did. We’re all human — that’s both our strength and our weakness. But to avoid wasting time, money, and your health, all you need to do is ask yourself honestly why you’re doing this job. Does psychology really affect the quality of work for an electrician, a teacher, or a store clerk? They won’t feel the need to make up for their mistakes or their bad mood — they just do their job. So, once you grasp this, you’ll be able to build a solid trading system and plan, provided you have the right knowledge.

How did you eliminate the factor of luck in your trading?

You can’t achieve consistent results through random actions. I don’t believe in luck. But for luck to believe in me, I have to do everything I can to make sure it notices me and helps me. A rolling stone gathers no moss — this wise Ukrainian proverb explains that if you do nothing yourself, good circumstances and opportunities will pass you by.

What was the hardest obstacle on your trading journey?

The hardest part is finding your own path and style. It’s especially difficult because, online, people or resources that truly know their stuff won’t share the knowledge that gives them a competitive edge in the market.

What do you think is the key to long-term success in trading?

Honesty with oneself, solid knowledge, disciplined execution of a long-term plan, and the achievement of short-term goals within that plan.

What inspires you to pursue trading?

Becoming a better version of myself every day. And, of course, the freedom that this path brings.

One piece of advice for people starting the FTMO Challenge now.

A tree needs time to grow. If you want a healthy tree that bears good fruit, nourish it with high-quality nutrients and clean water. Filter out anything harmful or toxic — in time, the tree will grow and reward you for your patience and care. Just be patient.