„I see trading and the opportunities it offers as the epitome of freedom“

The goal of most traders is personal freedom and independence, which stems from the fact that the trader's results always depends on him or her alone. To achieve this freedom, however, one must work hard, be disciplined and go for it. How did our new FTMO Traders cope with this?

Trader Kateryna: „Trading system only, no exceptions.“

Where have you learnt about FTMO?

I was searching the internet in order to find the best and trustworthy prop firm, and lots of people and websites, including my friends recommended FTMO.

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

I have my trading system, and I always follow the signals I get, regardless of what I feel and regardless of what’s my intuition tells me. Trading system only, no exceptions.

What does your risk management plan look like?

I find signals on the 5-minute timeframe, and I wait for the continuation on 15-minute timeframe in order to extend my take profit target, if I don’t get a confirmation my TP target is smaller, and my risk per trade never exceeds 1,7%.

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

Everything was the way I expected it to happen, even the time I set to myself to pass both stages, because before participating in FTMO challenge I traded for 6 months on demo account, so I knew exactly what I was looking for.

What was the hardest obstacle to overcome in your trading journey?

The hardest obstacle was to experience losses, but through the challenge, I learned to be calm and cold minded every single moment, without putting any emotions into the process, which later on improved my trading and helped me a lot.

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

Learn to control your emotions and stick up to your trading strategy regardless of what/how you feel.

Trader Besarb: “No matter how confident you are in a trade, never risk more than you can afford to lose.”

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

Emotions, but I focused on maintaining strict discipline with my trade plan and risk management strategies and stay focused.

Where have you learnt about FTMO?

On YouTube.

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

Discipline, trading plan, manage risk, and avoid impulsive decisions.

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

This achievement has opened up new opportunities and provided me with a sense of accomplishment that motivates me to keep improving.

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

Passing the FTMO Challenge and Verification has been a life-changing experience for me. It has given me the confidence and financial backing to pursue trading full-time, allowing me to focus on growing my skills and increasing my profits.

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

My number one advice to any trader is to always prioritize risk management. No matter how confident you are in a trade, never risk more than you can afford to lose. Consistent risk management not only protects your capital but also allows you to stay in the game long enough to capitalize on profitable opportunities. Remember, in trading, preservation of capital is key to long-term success.

Trader Lukasz: “Overall, it wasn't an easy task, but determination and consistency paid off.”

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

It was easier than I expected to reach the Profit Target with a few well-executed trades. If only I had refrained from all the impulsive (read: stupid) transactions and 'just' consistently stick to the trading plan it would have been even easier and certainly quicker to achieve. But oh well... I guess that's what this game is about - it takes place in our minds and through it, one gets to know oneself better and has the opportunity for inner growth. Overall, it wasn't an easy task, but determination and consistency paid off.

What inspires you to pursue trading?

I am inspired by ordinary people who have achieved extraordinary results from scratch, proving that with hard work you can accomplish a great deal and that reaching a higher level in every aspect of life is truly possible regardless of where you come from or what you have experienced in the past. I see trading and the opportunities it offers as the epitome of freedom, independence and the idea that in life everything depends on ourselves.

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

I believe that the key is finding your WHY, i.e. your true inner motivation. Knowing why you trade makes it easier to move forward despite the obstacles. It’s easy to say that you trade for money, but is that really an end in itself? I’m convinced it’s not and that everyone has that ‘something’ deeper and further. You just have to find it - this was the hardest part for me. I know this sounds philosophical, but it all ‘clicked’ for me when I filled in that missing piece. The entire set of actions and skills without which trading simply won’t succeed: trading plan, risk management, discipline and all the other elements we all know we need to practice in trading - come in my opinion only after finding your why. How to do it? Ultimately, Simon Sinek’s book published in 2017 helped me.

How does your risk management plan look like?

I risk about 1% per trade, looking for trades with a potential RRR above 2:1. I manage positions based on structure and candlesticks and after 3 losing trades in a single day I stop trading. An important aspect of risk management is monitoring automatic thoughts and behaviors and allowing yourself room for mistakes and learning.

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

For me it’s invaluable to absorb and strictly implement the principles of Mark Douglas with the most important being the acceptance that trading is really 'just' a game of probabilities. If a sequence of events aligns with the strategy you should enter the trade and let the market do its thing. Then repeat the same process over and over again. If the strategy is good enough and has a statistical edge in RRR it simply cannot fail in the long run. Generally focusing on the process rather than the outcome - yes, I know, everyone has heard this hundreds of times, but it really does work. When I focused on winning and making money, I made hasty and costly decisions which in turn moved me further away from this goal. However, when I set the task of 'executing the trade according to the plan' and stuck to that mindset and action regardless of all external factors, the results came on their own. To sum up - I try eliminating the luck factor by trying to maintain humility towards the market and its participants.

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

Find the real reason that ignites your passion to take action, complete all the lessons related to your inner peace and find a strategy that works for you. Moreover, be inspired by others but under no circumstances compare yourself to anyone or copy anyone. You are unique and your path is one of a kind. Just trust yourself, do your own thing, and don’t look around. I also didn’t believe I would reach this milestone, yet here I am writing these words for FTMO after passing the Verification. If I could achieve it, nothing and no one is really standing in your way to achieving it too. I’m rooting for you and wish you success, wherever and whoever you are :)

Trader Federico: “I'm sure this is just the beginning.”

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

Managing the spread was easier than expected, I'm used to a Raw account with zero spreads, and I must admit my biggest fear was that of being in trouble.

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

It makes me proud and gives me proof that I'm moving in the right direction. I'm sure this is just the beginning.

How would you rate your experience with FTMO?

My experience with FTMO so far has been excellent as I have not had any problems with opening and closing orders with no lag on the platform and the support team is present.

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

The luck component must be eliminated simply by having a strategy with fixed confirmations and with which you are confident, furthermore it is very important that we traders are able to model ourselves based on the market and not pretend otherwise.

What was the hardest obstacle to overcome in your trading journey?

The biggest obstacle was certainly managing emotions, it is the point I am working on the most, every trader must understand the importance of emotions in this job.

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

I advise future traders who decide to face the FTMO Challenge to work hard on risk management, emotional management and finally to have confidence in their strategy and knowledge.