In a space where passing funded challenges has become a badge of honor, one trader has managed to clear Phase One of a $10K FTMO challenge on his first attempt—but his message is clear: the toughest part is just beginning.
You might be celebrating a Phase One certificate, but as Michael—a prop firm trader and content creator—explains, the real test starts when psychology meets performance under pressure in Phase Two.
From -4% to Passed: Risk Management at the Core
Michael’s journey began with a shaky start, falling to -4% drawdown before clawing his way back to break even and ultimately crossing the 10% profit target required to complete Phase One.
“I wasn’t overly excited,” he admits. “I’ve passed about 70% of my Phase Ones—but Phase Two is where I usually get hit.”
His approach wasn’t built on hype or aggressive risk-taking. Instead, he leaned into consistent risk management, A+ setups, and strict trade selection. It’s a reminder that even when you’re down, disciplined execution can turn your account around.
Why Phase Two Isn’t Harder—Just Heavier on the Mind
You’ve likely heard it before: Phase Two is easier. The target is lower, and you often have more time. But Michael emphasizes what many traders eventually learn firsthand—Phase Two is a mental game.
“That’s where your psychology gets tested. You start thinking, ‘If I pass this, I’ll be funded. This is it.’ And that pressure makes you rush.”
He’s not alone. Many traders fall short at this stage not due to technical failure but emotional overreach. You may start risking more, straying from your strategy, or chasing trades out of desperation.
Breaking Discipline: Gold to Forex and the Price of Impatience
In a moment of honesty, Michael shares a mistake many traders can relate to. After trading only gold for the entire year, he broke form in Phase Two and entered a currency trade—one he hadn’t prepared for.
Why? Impatience. “I couldn’t wait for my setup on gold to play out. So I switched to a pair, and I took an L.”
That one moment cost him momentum and reignited the self-doubt that comes with breaking your trading rules. It’s a common pitfall—impatience disguising itself as opportunity.
What Gets You There: Strategy + Psychology
If you’re preparing for your own funded challenge, you’ll want to take note of Michael’s formula for progress:
- Stick to your A+ setups
- Use strict risk management
- Avoid emotional trading triggers
- Combine fundamentals and technicals
- Don’t chase trades when your edge isn’t present
He frequently shares trade ideas and insights on Twitter and WhatsApp, building a community that thrives on transparency, not hype. Whether you’re trading gold, scalping indices, or working with smaller capital, he urges you to treat Phase Two with even more discipline than Phase One.
Community, Mentorship, and Broker Support
Michael also announced a collaboration with Access Capital, a broker offering a one-week free signal trial for new users. By registering with his referral link and depositing a minimum of $10, you gain access to his signal group—a tool he claims can help you grow small capital accounts with real-time setups.
“If you’ve had issues with spreads, slippage, or shady brokers, this is what I use. The screenshots are real.”
His mentorship content and free trading videos are also available on YouTube, offering deeper dives into the strategies behind his funded account success.
Looking Ahead: Phase Two, Pressure, and Persistence
Now in Phase Two, Michael admits he’s off to a rough start—but he’s determined to reverse the cycle that’s seen him blow through 37 previous prop firm accounts.
For him—and for you—Phase Two is less about skill and more about discipline under pressure. The setups are the same. The risk tools haven’t changed. But the stakes feel real, and that’s where your mental game makes or breaks your funded trading journey.
