“You don’t need to trade every day to be profitable.”

The idea that opening positions every day will bring a trader profits sooner than trading less is widespread among novice and inexperienced traders, but unfortunately wrong. It is good to take a break sometimes and stay away from the markets, which can help the trader to come up with other ideas. Even our new FTMO Traders are aware of this.

Trader Bernard Kelechi: “Psychology is the main factor of success when trading”

Describe your best trade.

My best trades are the trades where I follow my strategy and plan completely and price action is the cleanest. In regard to reward was 3.1:1 RR ratio which followed my plan and caught the full move.

What was the hardest obstacle on your trading journey?

The hardest obstacle was releasing that you don’t need to trade every day to be profitable. Most people stay overtrading or over risking, but there are minor issues which are solved relatively quickly. Having a productive life outside of trading creates a positive mindset when entering the trading scene. When you start to trade for price action and want to read directions instead of trading for money is the moment when you become profitable.

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

Patience.

Has your psychology ever affected your trading plan?

Psychology is the main factor of success when trading. You must be confident in your plan with data and experience that even if you lose a trade, you will still be profitable. For me it was the over obsession with trading that caused me to fail. Initially I was too focused on the charts thinking that my plan comes up every day. It was only after I took a two-month break and life got busy that I only waited for A+ setups.

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

FTMO Challenge because of the higher profit target and also the uncertainty that it is possible.

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

Don’t rush it. Be patient and wait for your plan. It is okay to lose trades or even an account, as long as you are stuck to your plan, and you have data to prove your profitability you should be confident that you can get your trades back and more.

Trader Hinrich: “Proper risk management made me stand up again after each fall.”

What was the hardest obstacle on your trading journey?

The hardest obstacle on the journey is the pressure to achieve the goals faster. For example, to pass the evaluation within a short period of time, I have blown so many challenges because of the thinking that I can pass the challenge in just short period of time. The pressure to perform wrecked my psychology in a way that there were trades that were not even my set up which resulted in me failing the evaluation.

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

Verification, during the verification I find it harder because the pressure is high between proceeding next to get the account and failing then going back to start.

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

Yes, even though my trading plan always doesn't work, having Stop Loss protected me from blowing the account. Proper risk management made me stand up again after each fall.

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

The most difficult part is to be calm and to be disciplined to trust myself and the strategy I have made. During the verification, I was in drawdown of 6% and because during the challenge I was in consolidation of in profit and in drawdown before hitting the breakthrough of achieving the target, I did not allow this drawdown to affect my psychology but instead, I waited for my high quality set up to be shown then executed the trade. I said, I've been through this difficulty before and trust I can have a breakthrough from this hardship.

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

Risk management and discipline. Be patient on yourself and on the market, trading is a waiting game. Those who wait for the right set up to be shown are most likely to hit the goals.

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

Enjoy the Journey! :) You are more capable than you think. Just be patient, and don't let the noises of the world hinder you from achieving the goals. Lastly, Trading is just a part of your life not your life. Focus on what matters most to you like your family and be amazed that it will also show on your trading journey. God Bless you all.

Trader Michal: “You can never rush this.”

What inspires you to pursue trading?

JUST FREEDOM.

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

I know that if I rely on luck when making guesses, I won't be profitable in the long run. Moreover, I understand that the market follows a certain logic, influenced by probabilities.

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

In my first year, I focused entirely on studying, which I continue to do, as well as testing on multiple MT5 demo accounts. During that time, I changed two strategies, which was quite stressful, but I’m incredibly grateful that I didn’t have to lose real money like those who rushed in, chasing profits without any prior market experience, trading knowledge, or study. That being said, I’m especially proud that I managed to adhere to your risk management principles. Being able to have a funded account with you is a huge motivation, driving me forward toward the dream I’ve worked so hard for.

How did Maximum loss limits affect your trading style?

Thanks to my risk management and disciplined approach to adjusting Stop Loss levels based on logic, my trading hasn’t been affected at all. In fact, it has only helped me become more disciplined. I also understand that having a Maximum loss limit is crucial in preventing the risk of eventually losing the entire account. Additionally, it helps traders avoid the well-known trading loop, where emotions like FOMO or, conversely, hesitation along with overtrading, can take over. So overall, it has been a smooth experience.

Where have you learnt about FTMO?

YouTube, Instagram, website.

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

You can never rush this. If you're only in it for quick money, you might as well leave. Sometimes, less is more.

Trader Kamal Shomari Akil: “It is crucial that you have emotional intelligence and know yourself.”

What does your risk management plan look like?

My Risk management plan consists of many different factors. Firstly, I only look for high probability setups and I don't overexpose myself with too many lots. Secondly, I take partial profits and set breakeven as soon as I'm in a decent profit. Making the trade risk free.

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

It made me very disciplined within trading now. I've passed 2 accounts before, but I lost composure. This time, I've created my own expert advisor that should help me maintain good profit flow.

How did Maximum loss limits affect your trading style?

It helped so much!! Made sure I didn't overtrade.

What was the hardest obstacle on your trading journey?

Not having euphoria at every profit and ensuring I stayed locked in and disciplined.

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

It is crucial that you have emotional intelligence and know yourself and character. I'd say in order to stay profitable, you should have a journal and stick to a daily routine that works for you. Emotional mastery is definitely a key aspect.

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

Learn one strategy very very good and focus on mastering the process, not the profits.