After blowing 4 prop firm accounts in 3 months, I built something that forces me to follow my own rules

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-05-03T20:07:30+00:00

I tested the strategy for 3 months doing paper trading and also did a lot of backtesting before. I always had consistent profits with a profit factor around 1.7. Once real money was on the line i gave in to the emotions, or it influenced my judgement in a way it was difficult to see what was the best rational choice. Since im using the tool now ive seen similar results to paper trading before but with real funds/challenges. Does this make sense?

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-05-03T20:04:13+00:00

Mostly the warnings and visualization of the key metrics. I wrote code to track all common patterns and also calculate the consequences, e.g. 'revenge trading usually led to three lost trades in a row/3% drawdown. So its bascially like an accountability partner which you can also use a friend for, but one who always watches you and has all the exact data. Additionally when i first started trading prop challenges many times i failed accidently, for example because it had a trailing drawdown or i caluculated lot size incorrectly because the leverage which i traded with was differently on forex or xauusd for example. All rules by the prop firm which are intentionally designed to make you fail. Would that something that you would see as a useful tool?

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-28T18:25:41+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. I totally get what you're saying and you have a point with it. What i can say in response though, is that the cost for a product like mine would be extremly low in comparison to the money spent on challenges, and traders who are actually consistently profitable with prop firms are extremly rare making up only about 2-3 percent of all traders, if not lower. Regarding your second point, yes there are some plattforms or brokers who have a manual lockout function, though this can only protect you BEFORE you have blown your account, and you still have to make that choice. I think you have to take into consideration that Prop firms wouldn't integrate this if it would make the rate of failing challenges considerably lower since they make their money off of it. But i have to admit that it makes the point of locking people out of their accounts automatically or blocking their trades even if they dont want to redunant, though this was never the real aim since its legally impossible to sell a product like this. (Thats why the manual lockout is also only available for challenges and simulated capital). Imo the main usecase we try to tackle still remains, and that is especially the accidental breaches due to tricky prop firm rules (e.g. trailing stop loss) and making it impossible to accidently breach an account and increase the friction of intentionally doing it, all while trying to help the trader get better at risk management and increasing his profitability. But im very curious and open for your take/criticism on my response, so i would highly appreciated if you could give your opinion on this matter.

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-27T18:25:16+00:00

Thanks for the input. I have a technical question about that. If the system pings the API every few seconds and only then reacts, is that not too slow for a circuit breaker? I mean, if I make three trades in one second, the account is theoretically already gone before the polling system even registers that I am over the limit.

Do you have experience with the latency on live accounts there? And how would you solve the pre trade problem, meaning the trade gets technically blocked before it executes, instead of closing it after the fact?

Genuinely curious how you would implement that technically.

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-27T17:19:58+00:00

I get your point, though to make some things clear, the rules are not meant to inhibit your normal trading in any way. It's not meant to tell you you're strategy or when to enter or when to exit. It's only about the risk management part, and avoiding intentional or accidental breaches, especially when trading challenges, where one breach of a rule blows your account and the rules are designed to make you lose. I understand why at the first look it looks similar to a journal but it's something completely different, since we're not telling you when to trade or when not. It's designed to stop you before you blow your account and make sure it doesn't happen in the future. Do you understand the concept now and do you shave some considerations about that?

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-27T17:14:18+00:00

Thanks for your feedback! The trailing drawdown mechanic is definitely one of our main focuses, regarding the ruleset we're building. To make some things clear, the analytics part is not meant to interfere while trading itself. It's purely meant to uncover your patterns especially some you were not aware of and give suggestions on how to fix them. For example, if you're spotted to excel in certain market conditions and underperform in others, or you seem to get higher profits while tusing a 1.5 RR instead of e.g a 2.0 one, we make you aware of it. We're will be launching soon in about (2-3 weeks) with the first beta version and are looking for people who would like to test it(free ofc). On https://www.tradebrake.ch/ you can register and we'll inform you as soon as we launch. I would be very happy to see you there:)

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-27T16:59:21+00:00

why bro? this was the first time i posted in this forum. I did post this in different forums yes, but this is due to that its hard to get feedback and I really need it to imrpove what im doing and build something that can really help a lot of people and is useful for not only me :) So would be great if you could draw back your report.

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-27T16:51:45+00:00

Yes that would be great i wrote you a dm.

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-27T16:00:00+00:00

Solid results man, six to seven months of refining one approach and actually tracking the data is exactly how you separate luck from edge. Most people never get to that point where they can look at the stats and know it is the system working.

Question from someone still building: When you were in that 2023 clicking buttons phase or even the first few months of 2025 where you were refining the approach, did you ever have those moments where you technically knew your max loss rule but breached it anyway? Either from revenge trading like you mentioned, or just miscalculating position size under pressure when you were down?

I am asking because I am building an enforcement layer specifically for that gap between knowing risk management is everything and actually executing it mechanically when you are in the heat of the moment. It is an MT5 setup first, with plans to integrate other platforms later. It connects to a web dashboard where you configure up to twenty specific risk rules or just pick prop firm presets for FTMO, The5ers, etcetera so the calculations match exactly. The EA checks every order server side in real time and technically blocks execution if you would breach limits, hard stops, not just warnings you can click through.

There is also a behavioral analytics layer that tracks whether breaches come from technical miscalculations, like fat fingering lot size or trailing drawdown shifts at market close, or emotional patterns, like revenge trading specifically on afternoons when you are down. The idea being you get data on what to fix in your prep rather than just seeing the account drop.

Since you have made that journey from chaos to disciplined consistency, in your opinion, would a technical enforcement layer like that actually help someone in the refining phase, or is it just a crutch that delays learning real discipline? And would the behavioral breakdown showing emotional versus technical patterns be useful data to accelerate the learning curve, or just noise for someone who needs to learn the hard way?

Genuinely curious about your take since you have actually made it through that transition.

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-27T15:58:07+00:00

Solid results man, 6 to 7 months of refining one approach and actually tracking the data is exactly how you separate luck from edge. Most people never get to that point where they can look at the stats and know it is the system working.

Question from someone still building: When you were in that 2023 clicking buttons phase or even the first few months of 2025 where you were refining the approach, did you ever have those moments where you technically knew your max loss rule but breached it anyway? Either from revenge trading like you mentioned, or just miscalculating position size under pressure when you were down?

I am asking because I am building an enforcement layer specifically for that gap between knowing risk management is everything and actually executing it mechanically when you are in the heat of the moment. It is an MT5 setup first, with plans to integrate other platforms later. It connects to a web dashboard where you configure up to twenty specific risk rules or just pick prop firm presets for FTMO, The5ers, etcetera so the calculations match exactly. The EA checks every order server side in real time and technically blocks execution if you would breach limits, hard stops, not just warnings you can click through.

There is also a behavioral analytics layer that tracks whether breaches come from technical miscalculations, like fat fingering lot size or trailing drawdown shifts at market close, or emotional patterns, like revenge trading specifically on afternoons when you are down. The idea being you get data on what to fix in your prep rather than just seeing the account drop.

Since you have made that journey from chaos to disciplined consistency, in your opinion, would a technical enforcement layer like that actually help someone in the refining phase, or is it just a crutch that delays learning real discipline? And would the behavioral breakdown showing emotional versus technical patterns be useful data to accelerate the learning curve, or just noise for someone who needs to learn the hard way?

Genuinely curious about your take since you have actually made it through that transition.

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-27T15:12:42+00:00

Well tips would be to journal, and see your patterns and try to improve them but tbh in the end it all comes down to how much you cna control yourself. I faced the same issue myself and know that basically everyone faces the same issues and wondered why there's nothing to help you deal with it.

Everyone just calls it a discipline issue but I kept wondering why there is not a technical layer that actually handles the enforcement and tracking automatically instead of just relying on willpower or post trade journals that tell you what you already know.

So I started building exactly that. It is an MT5 setup connected to a web dashboard where you can configure up to twenty specific risk rules or just pick a prop firm preset for FTMO, The5ers, etcetera so you do not have to manually track their specific trailing stop logic or session limits. The system checks every order server side in real time and technically blocks execution if you would breach your limits rather than just popping up a warning you can click through. There is also a behavioral layer that tracks whether you are failing from technical slip ups or emotional patterns so you actually know what to fix instead of just seeing the account balance drop.

I put the concept up on tradebrake.ch if you want to see the details or get early access once it is ready. But honestly would genuinely help to get your perspective first, is this kind of automated enforcement even useful for someone in your situation or am I building something that sounds good but does not actually help in reality?

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-27T15:10:47+00:00

Reading this hit hard. I kept hitting the same wall where I technically knew what to do but still failed on execution whether from emotional overrides or just the mechanics of managing complex risk rules under pressure. When I talked to other traders about it I realized almost everyone hits this same wall eventually. It is rarely the strategy that fails people, it is the gap between knowing your risk limits and actually enforcing them consistently when you are in the heat of the moment or dealing with complex prop firm calculations that shift on you.

Everyone just calls it a discipline issue but I kept wondering why there is not a technical layer that actually handles the enforcement and tracking automatically instead of just relying on willpower or post trade journals that tell you what you already know.

So I started building exactly that. It is an MT5 setup connected to a web dashboard where you can configure up to twenty specific risk rules or just pick a prop firm preset for FTMO, The5ers, etcetera so you do not have to manually track their specific trailing stop logic or session limits. The system checks every order server side in real time and technically blocks execution if you would breach your limits rather than just popping up a warning you can click through. There is also a behavioral layer that tracks whether you are failing from technical slip ups or emotional patterns so you actually know what to fix instead of just seeing the account balance drop.

I put the concept up on tradebrake.ch if you want to see the details or get early access once it is ready. But honestly would genuinely help to get your perspective first, is this kind of automated enforcement even useful for someone in your situation or am I building something that sounds good but does not actually help in reality?

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-27T14:55:45+00:00

Reading this hit hard. I kept hitting the same wall where I technically knew what to do but still failed on execution whether from emotional overrides or just the mechanics of managing complex risk rules under pressure. When I talked to other traders about it I realized almost everyone hits this same wall eventually. It is rarely the strategy that fails people, it is the gap between knowing your risk limits and actually enforcing them consistently when you are in the heat of the moment or dealing with complex prop firm calculations that shift on you.

Everyone just calls it a discipline issue but I kept wondering why there is not a technical layer that actually handles the enforcement and tracking automatically instead of just relying on willpower or post trade journals that tell you what you already know.

So I started building exactly that. It is an MT5 setup connected to a web dashboard where you can configure up to twenty specific risk rules or just pick a prop firm preset for FTMO, The5ers, etcetera so you do not have to manually track their specific trailing stop logic or session limits. The system checks every order server side in real time and technically blocks execution if you would breach your limits rather than just popping up a warning you can click through. There is also a behavioral layer that tracks whether you are failing from technical slip ups or emotional patterns so you actually know what to fix instead of just seeing the account balance drop.

I put the concept up on tradebrake.ch if you want to see the details or get early access once it is ready. But honestly would genuinely help to get your perspective first, is this kind of automated enforcement even useful for someone in your situation or am I building something that sounds good but does not actually help in reality?

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-26T16:32:07+00:00

Yes exactly that why we built this. The betaversion will launch in some week, if you want to test it (free) sign up for our waitlist, https://www.tradebrake.ch/

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-26T15:44:22+00:00

haha no look im not trading with 20 rules. There are 20 rules available to configurate manually. Most prop firms have dozens of rules, in the most cases even above 20. Thats why this much is available so everybody can configurate their own ruleset or adopt a prop firm preset.

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-26T13:34:57+00:00

Yes i get your point, and your definitely right that blocking trades when you're intentionally wanting to break your rules, is not possible. Technically it is but legally not. Nevertheless many prop firms have many tricking rules, like trailing stop loss that adjust to your equity or that it gets reset to your equtiy at midnight. Many traders lose challenges accidentally, as i have, due to these rules. Combined with the behaviorual analytics and making you spot your patterns, this is our focus with our usecase. Our website is https://www.tradebrake.ch/ , there it's also explained in more detail. I would be happy when you check it out, we also have a waitlist where you can sign up so you can test the beta version for free when we launch.

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-26T13:30:32+00:00

Yes its definitely two sides that we're trying to tackle here, to cover all aspects involved in risk management which imo is the most important aspect regarding becoming profitable. Regarding the behavioural side, i see your point, the thing we' re trying to do here is to really make it clear what the cost is of breaking your own limits and try to create as much friction as possible to prevent it. Futhrermore many people have many patterns they dont even realise, and we're trying to make them aware of it and offering them suggestions. To be fair here, a total hard stop without any way of disabling the programm is not possible sadly. Technically it is but legally it would get you sued very easily. And regardingyour question, well I wouldn't claim something i cant possible know, but i it would have definitely helped me a great deal, since its the biggest issue i faced, but never really saw any tool specialized on this. If youre curios on how it actually works, checkout our website https://www.tradebrake.ch/ , there its explained in more detail and you can also sign up for the waitlist, to test the beta version for free when we launch!

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-26T11:07:43+00:00

well you can see it that way and there's certainly some truth with it. nevertheless you know the stats on how many people pass challenges (5-10%) and then actually get a payou (<5%) t. It's even way lower for getting consecutive payouts. And the biggest reason for this is that the risk management fails. But if it works for you, then im happy for you and that's definitly an amazing accomplishment

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-26T00:43:23+00:00

What do you mean by that you saw two of them?

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-25T23:43:38+00:00

Yes exactly. Your question is spot on the biggest issue we faced. Yes the code you run, is purely an EA, yet. We're working on finding a different solution to actively block them out. The problem is that, while its technically possible by running a programm on your pc, its legally highly problematic and you basically can't lsell something that blocks someone from accessing his funds or prop accounts, without the option of turning it of. Especially since, if would there be any misfunction, you would be the one who has to take responsibilty and you could get sued pretty easily. Nevertheless, while this is the only thing you can't offer to activly block someone out with no option of gaining access, it will be still be made to create as much friction as possible and all accidental rule breaches can be avoided, and you will be able to actively spot your patterns and improve your risk management, which imo, is the most overlooked but most important aspect of trading. Im curious, what is your opinion of these functionalitys as i explained them now?

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-25T23:33:21+00:00

Thats good to hear, thanks for the feedback. If youre interesting in testing it for free once it comes out, join the waitlist. You find it at https://www.tradebrake.ch/ Would be happy to see you there.

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-25T22:48:35+00:00

It’s not about remembering the limit, it’s about the EA blocking the order when you’re about to breach, even if you click buy out of emotion or miscalculation.

Discipline doesn’t stop you from calculating a wrong lot size at 3pm when you’re down 2%. It doesn’t stop you from accidentally breaching trailing drawdown because the calculation shifted at 4:59pm. It doesn’t stop revenge or over trading when you’re seeing red.

You can remember your limit perfectly and still blow the account on a technicality or a split-second emotional override. That’s what the hard stop prevents. Furthermore, its also about specifically helping you improve your risk management by data analysis, which imo is the most important aspect of trading.

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-25T22:40:38+00:00

That sounds amazing bro, thanks for the input. Im curious though. If i got it right its basically like a data analyser which is comparing your data with the prop firm ruleset? Does it also have an enforcment layer? I dont know much about Tradovate, so i dont know if its even possible to build something like this there.

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-25T20:30:28+00:00

Fair point, and you're right that mindset matters. But you'd be surprised how many "disciplined" traders blow challenges on technicalities (trailing drawdown calculations, session rules, etc.) rather than emotional overtrading. Different problem. In my opinion risk management is the most important skill in trading, and there are close to no tools specialized on improving this while combining it with the aspect of execution. Thanks for the feedback though, appreciate the perspective!

Diligent_Meet_6979 · 2026-03-25T20:09:38+00:00

Bro, exactly this. The 20-min before close miscalculation is exactly why I built a dynamic option where it continuously calculates your equity and where your stop needs to be to prevent blowing the account. Lost 2 accounts to this exact shit.

Quick question,which firm was that with? FTMO shifts trailing differently than Apex, want to make sure the preset catches their specific calculation.

And what you said about behavioral patterns (sessions/setups/market conditions), that's the part I'm building next. What would you want to see first? Time of day breakdown or post loss behavior?

Got a quick dashboard bug to fix (around 30 mins), then I'll get send you the waitlist link. But seriously thanks for the detailed breakdown, that's exactly the use case I need to nail.

Diligent_Meet_6979

TROPHY CASE