From $0 to $100k (whilst working full time)

[tr1ps_master]

22 Dec to 26 Dec 2025 = +1.39R (2 trades) - Balance $97,334

• +0.02R (BE) - mistake entry, exited as soon as I realised this was a mistake entry
• +1.37R

 

[tr1ps_master]

29 Dec to 2 Jan 2026 = +1.26R (1 trade) - Balance $97,777

• +1.26R

I was not planning to trade this week, the charts were horrendous.
However, a very nice setup presented itself, and I simply executed.

 

[tr1ps_master]

Update on both accounts with FTMO:

Challenge 1 - 2nd stage verification, dynamically risking appropriate amount for the account size.
Balance - $97,777

Challenge 2 - 1st stage, copying trades from challenge 1, 1% risk per trade
(luckily one of my losing trades did not copy for some reason)
Balance - $104,390

My challenge 1 is where I am trying to pass this, no matter how long it takes.
Challenge 2 is where I do not want to waste good R, and so copying trades from challenge 1. If I have a terrible run, like an absolute howler, then challenge 2 may fail, but Challenge 1 will still be around as I am dynamically changing risk there to preserve the account.

You can clearly see the yoyo-ing!
But now that I am only executing a single model, with a strict criteria, this has been the last up leg, in a pretty crappy month typically for FX.

Current cumulative R for Challenge 1 phase 2 is 13.50R.
Yes I could've passed by now, yes others could've passed ages ago.
My journey is I switched from Swing (which I did not find as profitable) to Day/Intraday. I had to go back and basically learn a lot more material vs swing trading, this took time, effort and many many trades.

The whole point is not to get funded - SHOCK HORROR!
The point is to be a consistently profitable trader.
Once I am consistently profitable, then this journey of passing challenges will become easier. But the first step which I am focusing on is becoming a consistently profitable trader and managing my risk.

I racked up 184 trades on my Challenge 1 phase 2 account, I would say my risk management is on point. I do not think many could mentally withstand such a long period (since 19th May 2025) without blowing the account.

Now focus is on consistency.

Profit is just a by product of a good trader who is consistent.

----------------------
CHART TIME.
----------------------

Challenge 1 account - 2nd stage

Challenge 2 account - 1st stage

From my calculations, I need another 13.5R to pass both C1 and C2 fully at the same time, then will have $200k in funding.
If it takes longer, then so be it.
This is the plan for now.

 

[tr1ps_master]

Goal for 2026 - get max funded with FTMO

Let's do this 💪💪💪

-------------------

I am trying to document a TRUE JOURNEY of someone who is in the trenches of trying to make this work while having a full time job.
Trading is not easy no matter your circumstances, a lot of introspection is required, a lot of mining of your own statistics and much more.

Hopefully this blog shows the reality of My Trading Journey.
If you are struggling with this, hopefully my blog shows you that you're not the only one and helps you to carry on going.

-------------------
I wish you all the very best for 2026 and hope your journey is a profitable one.

 

[tr1ps_master]

Personal note
I started changing my trading approach from Swing trading to Intraday/Day Trading (basically wanting to be out the market by the end of the day).

First trade with this was 27th August 2025 (had to look this up from my journal)

-> It's been 4 months

-> Have taken 112 trades

Note - the idea here was to get a decent sample size and see what model and times of the day works for me. So it was a little more nuanced than throwing crap at a wall and seeing what stuck.

This is actually longer than I thought, clearly I've been massively engrossed in the transition and lost track of time.

This has time and sample size has allowed me to drill down to a single entry model and have a consistent checklist for entry.

 

[tr1ps_master]

update to 29 Dec to 2 Jan 2026 as I ended up taking another trade on 2/1/26 = +2.77R (2 trades) - Balance $98,492

• +1.26R
• +1.51R

 

[tr1ps_master]

5 - 9 Jan 2026 = +0.46R (4 trades) - Balance $98,667

• +1.37R
• -1R
• -1.06R
• +1.16R

 

[tr1ps_master]

12 - 16 Jan 2026 = -3.97R (7 trades) - $96,912

• -1.03R
• -1.09R
• +0.18R
• BE (+0.01R)
• -0.99R
• -1.01R
• BE (-0.04R)

Very poor week.
Work has picked up massively too.

 

[tr1ps_master]

19 - 23 Jan 2026 = -1.80R (4 trades) - Balance $96,284

• -1.11R
• -1.05R
• +1.41R
• -1.05R

Literally can't but a winning trade it feels.
These two weeks have been agonising.
Not sleeping well, work is really tiresome.

 

[tr1ps_master]

26 - 30 Jan 2026 = BE (+0.01R) (1 trade) = Balance $96,286

• BE (+0.01R)

This week I have just been shattered and feel like the lower time frames are killing my mind.

 

[tr1ps_master]

Update - Raw

I've been going hard at intra day trading for almost half a year now.
It's profitable, absolutely.
Unfortunately, I do not believe I have anything left in the tank to trade at the same time while I work anymore I feel. Going from meeting to meeting, with reports, emails, calls, then amidst all that trying to wait for the entry off my checklist - brain is fried.
Can't remember last time I slept well, or even had deep sleep.
Feel like every day is a struggle, and I am just running on fumes.
I swear if I even look at an M5 chart, I will throw up.
Perhaps this is now starting take its toll and I am not seeing the good setups too.

Whatever it is, I know this is not conducive for a healthy balance nor does it work for my current state of mind and time availability.

So January all in all -2.53R after 18 trades (including trades from 29 Dec to 2 Jan).
This is really poor.

I have been contemplating of how I can change my situation - only solution I see is going to H4 and Daily.
Yes this will potentially cost me R, however, fuck me, I've just had a whole month with a negative R right...perhaps Steady Eddie...easy does it will actually be a lot better for me right now.

I do feel like some of the stuff I learn for intraday trading has been really precise and I can definitely see things I did not used to see. I intend to utilise this on the HTF too.

At the moment - I'll be honest, I may take a brief rest from the markets.