I embarked on my trading journey in late 2019, driven by a conversation at work that piqued my curiosity. With minimal financial knowledge and no trading experience, I began exploring the financial markets through Robinhood. The initial phase was challenging, largely due to my own reactions to market movements. Greed often prevented me from securing profits when opportunities arose, while fear led me to hold onto losing positions longer than necessary, hoping for a turnaround.

These emotional responses were particularly detrimental when I ventured into options trading, attracted by the allure of high returns. However, this segment of trading amplified my risks due to its complex nature and the severe consequences of time decay and regulatory constraints like the PDT rule, which came into play when my account balance fell below $25,000.

In mid-2022, after facing significant losses and learning from these harsh lessons, I transitioned to futures trading. This move was initially stifled by insufficient funds, but a new job with a six-figure salary enabled me to reinvest in my trading career more robustly. Despite the volatile nature of trading, which saw my occasional gains quickly dissolve, I persisted.

Now, I trade through a proprietary trading firm, utilizing a cautious strategy spread across multiple accounts to manage risks effectively while still allowing for growth potential. My ongoing journey is a testament to the resilience required in trading, where learning from one’s mistakes and managing emotions are as crucial as any trading strategy.

For those starting their trading journey, my advice is to approach trading with a clear strategy and an understanding of the risks, especially emotional ones. Start with simulated trading or with a firm where risks are minimized. The path to trading success is fraught with challenges, but with determination and continuous learning, it can lead to significant rewards.