Trading with a proprietary trading firm (prop firm) like Hive PT offers huge advantages—access to capital, professional tools, and mentorship. However, many traders make avoidable mistakes that prevent them from succeeding.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top mistakes traders make with prop firms and how to avoid them in 2025. Whether you're a junior trader just starting or a senior trader scaling up, these tips will help you maximize your potential.
1. Ignoring Risk Management Rules
Why It’s a Problem:
Prop firms enforce strict risk limits (daily loss limits, max position sizes). Ignoring these can lead to account termination.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Always follow the firm’s risk rules.
✔ Never risk more than 1-2% per trade.
✔ Use stop-loss orders on every trade.
2. Overtrading (Taking Too Many Trades)
Why It’s a Problem:
Leads to higher fees & emotional burnout.
Increases the chance of breaking risk rules.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Focus on quality over quantity.
✔ Stick to your trading plan.
✔ Avoid forcing trades when the market is slow.
3. Revenge Trading After a Loss
Why It’s a Problem:
Trying to recover losses quickly leads to bigger losses.
Emotional trading breaks discipline.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Take a break after a losing trade.
✔ Review what went wrong instead of rushing into a new trade.
✔ Remember—losses are part of trading.
4. Not Backtesting or Practicing Enough
Why It’s a Problem:
Jumping into live trading without testing leads to avoidable mistakes.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Test your strategy in a demo account first.
✔ Use historical data to backtest before going live.
✔ Hone your skills in Hive PT’s training programs.
5. Using Excessive Leverage
Why It’s a Problem:
High leverage can wipe out your account fast.
Prop firms may have leverage limits—breaking them can get you disqualified.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Stick to moderate leverage (e.g., 5:1 instead of 50:1).
✔ Follow the firm’s leverage guidelines.
6. Neglecting the Evaluation Rules
Why It’s a Problem:
Many prop firms (including Hive PT) require passing an evaluation challenge before funding. Traders fail by:
Breaking drawdown limits.
Not hitting profit targets in time.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Read and fully understand the evaluation rules.
✔ Trade conservatively—focus on consistency, not quick profits.
7. Failing to Track & Analyze Trades
Why It’s a Problem:
Without a trading journal, you repeat mistakes.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Record every trade (entry, exit, reasoning).
✔ Review weekly to spot bad habits.
✔ Use Hive PT’s performance tools to track progress.
8. Expecting Instant Success
Why It’s a Problem:
Trading is a skill—it takes time to master.
Many quit too early after a few losses.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Be patient—focus on long-term growth.
✔ Treat trading like a business, not gambling.
9. Not Using the Firm’s Resources
Why It’s a Problem:
Prop firms like Hive PT offer:
Mentorship from senior traders.
Training materials & webinars.
Advanced trading tools.
Ignoring these wastes a huge advantage.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Attend all training sessions.
✔ Ask questions and learn from experienced traders.
10. Trading Without a Clear Strategy
Why It’s a Problem:
Random trades = inconsistent results.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Define a clear trading plan (entry/exit rules, risk management).
✔ Stick to one proven strategy instead of jumping between methods.
Final Thoughts: Trade Smarter with Hive PT
Avoiding these mistakes increases your chances of success with a prop firm. At Hive PT, we help traders at all levels—junior traders, senior traders, and strategists—refine their skills and follow best practices.
Ready to trade the right way?
👉 [Join Hive PT today and avoid these common pitfalls!]
