New Trader Blueprint: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Becoming a Disciplined Trader

Struggling to figure out where to start with trading?
This guide lays out a no-BS roadmap for new traders who are serious about building consistency — not gambling away accounts.

In New Trader Blueprint, Michael Schwartz (Topstep Funded Trader and educator) breaks down a proven progression for mastering the basics of trading psychology, risk management, journaling, and platform use — especially with prop firms like Topstep.

You’ll learn:

• How long to stay in SIM (and why)
• When to move to a prop firm
• What stats TopstepX tracks for you
• What emotional & strategic journaling you still need to do
• Risk rules most traders ignore until it’s too late
• The mindset overlap between trading and fitness
• How to build discipline without relying on motivation

Whether you're in a Combine, just got funded, or blew your first live account, this blueprint helps you restart with a plan.