Stage 1: Survival

Focus: Stop blowing up. Risk ≤ 1% per trade, track every move, forget profits. Learn how *not* to lose. This is where discipline begins.

Stage 2: Stability

• Develop 1–2 setups that fit your schedule.
• Journal rule adherence daily.
• Trade micro-size but consistently.

Equity curve smoothing from volatility to steady ascent.

Stage 3: Consistency

Your process becomes automatic. Losses hurt less; you execute your edge mechanically. Focus shifts to compounding and refining, not chasing perfection.

Stage 4: Scaling and Mastery

• Increase size slowly (0.25% increments).
• Expand setups through data, not emotion.
• Train others or document playbooks to reinforce discipline.

Milestones of trader maturity: emotional control, data edge, compounding.

Checklist: Staying Consistent

• Risk < 1% until results prove otherwise.
• Never skip journaling.
• Reinvest time in review more than screen time.