“One good setup is better than ten impulsive ones.”

The hardest part of trading isn’t finding a strategy; it’s waiting for the right moment to execute it. In this Q&A, Johnny, Siriluck, and Ariana Maria discuss the importance of patience, emotional control, and strict risk management. Discover how this discipline helped them successfully pass the FTMO Evaluation Process.

Trader Johnny: “Discipline and patience are more important than chasing profits.”

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

I managed my emotions by sticking to my trading plan, accepting the predefined risk, and avoiding impulsive decisions. I understood that individual losing trades are part of the overall trading process.

How did passing the FTMO Challenge and Verification change your life? 

Passing the FTMO Challenge and Verification gave me confidence that I can trade consistently while following strict risk management rules. It showed me that discipline and patience are more important than chasing profits. It has motivated me to continue improving as a trader and has brought me one step closer to achieving my long-term goal of building a professional trading career.

What does your risk management plan look like?

I risk approximately 1% per trade, use a fixed Stop Loss based on my strategy, and only take trades that meet my predefined entry criteria. I limit myself to one high-quality setup at a time, avoid revenge trading, and accept losses as a normal part of trading. My focus is on consistency and protecting capital while following my trading plan without emotional decision-making.

How would you rate your experience with FTMO?

My experience with FTMO has been excellent. The platform is professional, the objectives are clear, and the Evaluation Process reinforced the importance of consistency, patience, and risk management. Passing both stages has been a significant milestone in my trading journey, and I’m excited to continue as an FTMO Trader.

What was the hardest obstacle on your trading journey? 

The hardest obstacle was developing the patience to wait for only high-quality setups and accepting that losses are part of trading. Once I stopped focusing on individual trades and started focusing on consistently executing my strategy with proper risk management, my results became much more consistent.

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

Treat the FTMO Challenge like you’re already managing someone else’s capital. Protect your account, be patient, and take only trades that meet your plan. One good setup is better than ten impulsive ones. Consistency and discipline will take you much further than chasing profits.

Trader Siriluck: “Discipline and patience are just as important as having a good strategy.”

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

I reminded myself that not every trade will be a winner. Since I only risk a small percentage on each trade, I was able to stay calm and let my strategy play out. If a trade hit my Stop Loss, I accepted it, reviewed the trade objectively, and waited for the next valid setup instead of trading emotionally.

What was more difficult than expected during your FTMO Challenge or Verification?

The most difficult part was staying patient and sticking to my trading plan. There were times when the market did not provide high-quality setups, and I had to avoid forcing trades. I learned that discipline and patience are just as important as having a good strategy.

Describe your best trade. 

My best trade was one where I followed my trading plan from start to finish. I waited patiently for a high-probability setup, entered with proper risk management, and let the trade reach my target without interfering emotionally. What made it my best trade was not the profit itself, but the discipline and consistency I maintained throughout the entire process.

Do you have a trading plan in place, and do you follow it strictly?

Yes. I have a structured trading plan that covers entries, exits, and risk management. I follow it consistently and only take trades that meet my predefined criteria. Sticking to my plan helps me stay disciplined and avoid emotional trading.

What was the hardest obstacle on your trading journey? 

The hardest obstacle was learning to control my emotions and stay disciplined. Early on, I sometimes wanted to recover losses too quickly, but I realised that consistency and proper risk management are far more important than chasing profits. Over time, I developed the discipline to follow my trading plan, accept losses as part of the process, and focus on long-term performance instead of short-term results.

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

My number one advice is to focus on risk management and consistency rather than chasing profits. Develop a trading plan, follow it with discipline, and accept that losses are a normal part of trading. Long-term success comes from protecting your capital and making consistent decisions, not from trying to win every trade.

Trader Ariana Maria: “I focus on the possible risk, not the possible profit.”

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

The hardest part was controlling my mind. I really wanted to reach my goal, but not every trade goes the way you expect. I learned to stay calm, trust my strategy, and be patient. That made a big difference.

What does your risk management plan look like? 

My risk management is very strict. I always follow my trading plan and never risk more than I should. I focus on potential risks, not potential profits, because protecting my capital is always the priority.

What was more difficult than expected during your FTMO Challenge or Verification? 

Staying patient was more difficult than I expected. Sometimes there were no good setups, and I had to avoid forcing trades. Waiting for the right opportunity was one of the biggest lessons.

Where have you learnt about FTMO? 

I learned about FTMO through YouTube, social media, and other traders. After doing my own research, I decided to take the Challenge.

How did passing the FTMO Challenge and Verification change your life?

Passing the FTMO Challenge gave me more confidence in my trading. It showed me that discipline and consistency are more important than making quick profits, and it motivated me to keep improving every day.

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

My advice is to be patient and trust your strategy. Don’t rush to make profits or force trades. Focus on following your plan, managing your risk, and staying disciplined. Consistency will always beat emotions.