Lesson 25: From Demo to Live Trading

Part of Module 7: Transitioning to a Professional Trader

Introduction: The Final Step

This is the moment every new trader works towards. You've learned the theory, you have a strategy, and you've practiced on a demo account. Making the leap to trading with real money is a huge step, and doing it correctly is vital for your long-term success.

The "Are You Ready?" Checklist

Before you even think about depositing real money, you must be able to honestly answer "YES" to every single one of these questions:

  1. Have you backtested your strategy and logged at least 50-100 trades?
  2. Have you been consistently profitable on a demo account for at least one to two months?
  3. Do you have a written Trading Plan with clear rules?
  4. Have you been following that plan with 100% discipline on your demo account?
  5. Have you set aside trading capital that you are genuinely and financially prepared to lose?

The Biggest Challenge: The Psychological Shift

The charts, the platform, and your strategy are all exactly the same. But one thing changes dramatically when you go live: the emotion.

Analogy: Video Game vs. Real Life. Trading on a demo account is like playing a high-stakes video game. It's exciting, but you know the points aren't real. Trading with a live account is like playing the exact same game, but with your real rent money on the line. The game hasn't changed, but the feeling is completely different.

How to Make the Transition Safely

  • Start Incredibly Small. Do not jump in with your full trading capital. Start with the smallest possible account size and the smallest possible lot size (0.01 lots).
  • Focus on Process, Not Profit. For your first month of live trading, your only goal is to execute your trading plan perfectly. Do not focus on your profit or loss.
  • Survive and Adapt. The first few months are about getting used to the psychology of having real money at risk. Focus on capital preservation and executing your plan.
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