Becoming a consistently profitable trader is one thing—staying profitable is another. I’ve been trading for several years now, passed multiple prop firm challenges, and mentored hundreds of students through FN-FOREX ACADEMY. But here’s something most people won’t tell you:
Even professional traders make mistakes.
Yes, we slip too. And when we do, it often costs us money, sometimes even reputation.
Today, I want to share with you the 6 critical mistakes that even experienced, full-time traders like myself have made—and how they can significantly reduce your trading income if you’re not careful.
1. Getting Overconfident After Winning Streaks
One of the most dangerous phases for a trader is right after a big win or a winning streak. I’ve personally made this mistake—feeling “unbeatable” and then overleveraging the next trade out of excitement.
The problem is that confidence easily turns into arrogance. You stop following your rules, you take impulsive setups, and eventually, the market humbles you.
This is how I blew a $25,000 funded account in the past. I wrote about the full story here:
👉🏾 How I Lost My First $25,000 Prop Firm Account
If you’re currently on a hot streak, that’s great. But stay grounded. Stick to your risk management and your plan—no matter how “on fire” you feel.
2. Neglecting to Journal Trades Consistently
Once I became profitable, I got lazy. I thought, “I already know my edge, so why keep journaling?”
That attitude cost me dearly.
Suddenly, small leaks started appearing in my performance—early exits, late entries, missed confirmations. I had no data to review and no feedback loop to keep me sharp.
Whether you’re new or pro, journaling is non-negotiable.
👉🏾 Here’s a detailed breakdown of how I journal and review trades:
How I Stayed Funded on My $50,000 Account for 3+ Years
3. Failing to Adapt to Changing Market Conditions
Markets change. What worked last month may not work today. Professional traders sometimes fall into the trap of thinking their strategy is bulletproof. But the truth is: no strategy is immune to change.
In 2023, I noticed my trend-following system was underperforming during a low-volatility period. I had to go back, review, adapt, and sometimes sit out the market.
Flexibility is a survival skill in trading.
4. Ignoring Risk Management When the Account Grows
This one stings because it’s so common. After growing an account from $10K to $30K, I started increasing my lot sizes without adjusting for volatility or equity curve position. It felt justified—but it wasn’t part of my system.
Professional traders often let growth blind them into breaking their own rules. That one bad day with oversized risk? It can wipe out weeks—or months—of consistent gains.
Always use a position size calculator. If you don’t have one yet, use this one:
👉🏾 FNFOREX Position Size Calculator
Also read this for a refresher:
👉🏾 Understanding Risk-to-Reward Ratios in Trading
5. Neglecting Mental and Emotional Maintenance
One thing I didn’t expect as a full-time trader was burnout. I thought that once I went full-time, I’d be happier and more productive. But I was glued to charts, overthinking, losing sleep, and making avoidable emotional mistakes.
As pros, we forget to take breaks, recharge, and recalibrate.
You’re not a machine. Your mental energy is a trading tool, and when it’s low, your account will feel it.
👉🏾 Read: How to Stay Emotionally Stable During Market Volatility
6. Overlooking Small Losses and Commissions
This is a silent killer. I once calculated my trades for a quarter and realized that although my win rate was solid, my net profit was disappointing.
Why?
- Frequent small losses I ignored
- Overtrading on low setups
- Paying high spreads and commissions
Over time, these small costs add up and drain your income. Professional traders must treat trading like a business—track every dollar in and out.
👉🏾 How to Set Realistic Goals for Stock Trading – Even though the title mentions stocks, this applies to your forex P&L too.
🔚 Conclusion: Success Doesn’t Make You Immune to Mistakes
Being profitable is not a finish line—it’s a constant balancing act.
Even professional traders stumble. The difference is: we recognize it faster and make adjustments.
If you’re a trader on your journey or someone who’s already profitable but feeling stuck, take a step back and ask:
- Have I become too confident or lazy?
- Am I journaling and reviewing consistently?
- Am I adapting or just repeating?