Why I Started Trading Futures

After spending way too much time watching YouTube traders flash their P&L screenshots, I finally decided to jump into futures trading in early 2023. I know, I know - not the smartest decision to make based on social media flex posts, but here we are.

I started with the Nasdaq 100 E-mini (NQ) because everyone said it has great volatility and volume. What they don't tell you in those YouTube videos is that volatility cuts both ways, and I learned that lesson real quick.

The First Month Was Brutal

Let me be honest - my first month was absolutely terrible. I blew through my first $500 account in about 2 weeks. The main issues I had:

The worst part? I thought I was doing everything right becuase I watched like 100 hours of YouTube content. Turns out watching and doing are completely different things.

What Actually Started Working

Around week 6, I finally slowed down and got serious. Here's what changed:

1. I Picked ONE Strategy

Instead of trying every strategy I saw online, I focused on simple support and resistance with volume confirmation. Nothing fancy, nothing complex. Just waiting for price to hit key levels and watching the volume.

2. I Cut My Trade Frequency by 80%

Went from 15+ trades per day to 2-3 quality setups. This alone was probably the biggest change. Quality over quantity is real.

3. I Actually Kept a Trading Journal

I know everyone says to do this, but I actually started doing it. Screenshots of every trade, what I was thinking, why I entered, why I exited. Looking back at this journal is honestly the best education I've given myself.

The Numbers After 90 Days

By day 90, I wasn't profitable yet, but I was close to breakeven after my initial losses. More importantly:

What I Wish I Knew Before Starting

The market doesn't care about your feelings. Seriously. It took me way too long to understand that my emotions have zero impact on where price goes. The sooner you accept this, the better.

Sim trading is important, but it's not the same. I sim traded for 2 weeks and thought I was ready. Real money hits different. The psychological aspect is completely different when your actual money is on the line.

Your setup doesn't need to be perfect. I wasted so much time trying to find the "perfect" strategy. Spoiler: it doesn't exist. Pick something simple and get really good at it.

Where I Am Now

I'm still learning every single day. Some days I feel like I've got it figured out, other days the market humbles me real quick. But that's the journey, right?

If you're just starting out with NQ futures, my biggest advice is to slow down. Take way less trades than you think you should. Focus on protecting your capital first, making money second. And for the love of god, keep a trading journal.

The journey is long, but it's worth it if you're willing to put in the work and be honest with yourself about your mistakes.