“Having realistic expectations is crucial for sustaining profitability”

Most beginner traders see trading as an opportunity to make a lot of money in a short period of time. They get lured by the false promises of scammers on social media, but the reality is unfortunately different, because trading is a business that does not forgive mistakes. Today, our new FTMO Traders Daniel, Noam, Xiao Li and Terrence know this too.

Trader Daniel: “The most challenging aspect was managing my emotions.”

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

Passing the FTMO Challenge and Verification has been transformative. It has provided me with the opportunity to trade with significant capital, enhancing my financial independence and confidence in my trading abilities. The journey taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of a structured trading approach, which has positively impacted other areas of my life as well.

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

The most challenging aspect was managing my emotions, especially during periods of drawdown. To overcome this, I focused on my trading plan, used strict risk management, and kept a trading journal to analyse and learn from my trades. This approach helped me stay disciplined and avoid making impulsive decisions.

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

The key to long-term success in trading is consistency in applying a well-defined strategy, coupled with strong risk management. Additionally, continual learning and adaptation to changing market conditions, maintaining emotional control, and having realistic expectations are crucial for sustaining profitability.

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

Contrary to my expectations, adhering to the risk management rules was easier than anticipated. Once I internalized the importance of these rules and saw their benefits, they became second nature. This discipline not only protected my capital but also contributed to my overall success in the FTMO Challenge and Verification stages.

What was the hardest obstacle on your trading journey?

The hardest obstacle was overcoming self-doubt and the psychological pressures of trading. Balancing the desire to achieve high returns with the need for prudent risk management was a continual challenge. Developing a growth mindset and seeking mentorship helped me navigate through these difficulties.

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

Focus on mastering your strategy and maintaining discipline throughout the FTMO Challenge. Treat this period as a learning experience rather than just a test to pass. Keep your emotions in check, follow your risk management rules rigorously, and don’t chase profits. Stay patient and consistent, as this will not only help you pass the FTMO Challenge but also lay a strong foundation for your future trading success.

Trader Noam: “ The most difficult challenge was to understand patience.“

How would you rate your experience with FTMO?

I think it was a very easy and smooth process with great support along the way

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

The most difficult challenge was to understand patience and that there are always opportunities, I overcame this by understanding let these opportunities come to you don’t chase after them.

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

By applying what I have learned and acted on real data rather than hope and wishful thinking.

Describe your best trade.

My best trade was on XAUUSD analysing and cross-referencing fundamental news with technical analyses to time my best entry.

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

The key to long term success is patience and focusing on good trades over how much you’ll make per trade. It’s a game of percentages, your percentage of good trades is what makes how much you’ll make per trade.

What would you like to say to other traders that are attempting the FTMO Challenge?

Take your time, FOMO is real, and the key is to remember every day there are new opportunities. You have not missed the train, YOU are the train and all you can do is miss a stop, but the stops are endless some will bring you closer to your goal some will slow you down. Make sure you don’t stop the train too long, keep it moving till you reach your destination. 🫡

Trader Xiao Li: “I think luck is also an important factor in trading, and I don't want to eliminate it.”

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

When I am close to success and have to face failures again, I need to adjust my mindset in a timely manner, telling myself that when all actions occur, I must focus on the current market situation rather than being troubled by past failures. When I know this, I know there will always be a chance for me to seize success again.

What inspires you to pursue trading?

The desire to showcase my abilities makes it difficult for me to give up and constantly improve my trading skills.

How did loss limits affect your trading style?

The maximum daily drawdown limit made me subconsciously reduce my position, control risks, and help me reduce real losses.

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

I think luck is also an important factor in trading, and I don't want to eliminate it.

How would you rate your experience with FTMO?

Taking the FTMO exam gave me the opportunity to showcase myself on the global stage. I believe this is a very important and valuable experience, and I have also reevaluated my trading skills through some of the exam rules, which have helped me improve.

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

If you find it difficult to accept the pain of continuous failure and the fact that effort and reward are not necessarily proportional, then you should stay away from this market.

Trader Terrence: “When you are on the charts, your strengths and weakness will be exposed.”

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

Sticking to my strategy even when trade, I've taken don't go my way especially when I'm close to my target.

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

Having a routine when it comes to trading hours and rules to follow before taking a trade, also tracking and journaling your progress having enough data to review.

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

Know yourself because when you are on the charts your strengths and weakness will be exposed, so learn to acknowledge them and improve on a weekly basis by analyzing your previous trade.

Describe your best trade.

Price reaching an H1 "key level" with hopes it's going to retrace, then I move to M1 looking for: 1. Price moving in range 2. Intention of price going towards my target 3. Once price retrace to my range, I enter my position targeting the M1 high/ low

Has your psychology ever affected your trading plan?

Yes, especially when I was close to my target, I had to discipline myself in following my rules and only enter my trade when I see my confluence.

What would you like to say to other traders that are attempting the FTMO Challenge?

Patience is your greatest asset, there's no point in rushing to complete the FTMO Challenge to start all over again, because all it does is adding unnecessary pressure.