If you blew two Reward Accounts back-to-back right before requesting a Payout, most would call it quits right there. But today's featured trader, 'KimTaJum' (Entry Kim), calls that exact moment a "wake-up call to refocus."
Here is how a full-time crypto futures trader entered the prop firm space with zero knowledge of futures, worked systematically through the manuals, and reached their first Payout. Along the way, discover a routine centered on a clean desk, meditation, cutting out news and YouTube, and waiting strictly for the optimal entry.
Here is the story of a trader whose very handle means 'Entry.'

Q. Hello! We are seeing many traders transition from crypto to prop trading lately, and we heard you did the same. Could you introduce yourself?

A. Hello, I am a full-time trader using the handle 'KimTaJum.' I primarily traded crypto futures, but recently discovered prop trading and decided to transition my main focus over.

Q. Traders often say, 'The first Payout is the most important.' How did it feel when that first Payout hit your account?

A. It's true—I heard that across several trading communities as well. Since LifeUp is a Korean firm, they provided detailed email updates throughout the entire process from approval to withdrawal, so I thought I would stay indifferent. But once the Payout was approved, I was genuinely thrilled. Even when trading strictly by the rules, I think every trader has that lingering anxiety of 'what if?' It was a true sigh of relief.

Q. How do you plan to use this first Payout?

A. I plan to reinvest the profits back into prop trading!

Q. Transitioning from crypto futures to global futures must have presented a steep learning curve. Did that influence your decision to choose LifeUp?

A. Yes. Because I had only traded crypto futures, I had zero background in global futures. LifeUp's manuals helped me understand the prop trading rules, required platforms, and trading mechanics from the ground up.

Q. What would you highlight as LifeUp's biggest advantage from your experience?

A. A huge advantage is that the Challenge Account has no Consistency Rule, allowing me to pass in a single go. Fortunately, I passed both the 300K and 50K accounts on my first try. However, I blew both Reward Accounts right before requesting a Payout.
I was just $150 away on the 50K account and $900 away on the 300K account. Since it was my first time, I used it as an opportunity to reset and refocus.

Q. Is there anything you would like to see improved at LifeUp?

A. With the 7 trading days requirement, Payout requests are effectively limited to about twice a month per account, which I think is the only area needing improvement. I understand the firm's operational considerations while trading, but I would like to see this refined.

Zero Bias, Just Waiting for the Entry

Q. How has your perspective on the market changed from when you first looked at a chart to now?

A. At first, I thought, 'This is too easy.' Now, my perspective has shifted to: 'The market is always ruthless and unforgiving.' I have no idea when charts will ever feel easy again.

Q. Since your handle is KimTaJum (Entry Kim), we have to ask about execution. What are your primary instruments and trading strategy?

A. Since I am new to futures, I exclusively trade MNQ (Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100). My framework relies on ICT, Bollinger Bands, moving averages, and volume. In range-bound markets, I trade 2 to 5 micro contracts. In trending markets, I scalp with 10 to 20 contracts. For moving averages, I track the 50 and 200 EMAs.

Q. Do you follow specific pre- and post-trade routines? How do you manage psychology?

A. Before trading, I clear my desk, shower, and meditate. Once in the market, I eliminate all rigid expectations and bias. I trade without watching the news or YouTube. I only check the economic calendar releases for the day.

Q. What feels most distinct about prop trading compared to crypto futures or spot trading?

A. To be precise, it forces you to build solid trading habits. I once read that 'only when you can achieve consistent prop firm Payouts will your personal capital trade upward,' and I completely agree.

Q. Any words for traders currently on the fence about trying prop trading?

A. Understand the fundamental difference between investing and trading, and approach it strictly with a trader's mindset.

Q. Finally, what are your future goals with LifeUp?

A. I used to stream crypto trading on YouTube. When time permits, I'd like to start a YouTube channel focused on the domestic prop trading space.

Losing two accounts right before a Payout could break most traders, but KimTaJum calmly framed it as a "wake-up call to refocus." A trader who respects the market as cold and ruthless, yet prepares by clearing the desk, meditating, and waiting patiently for the entry without bias. A disciplined operator who already knows what it takes to turn a first Payout into consistent performance.
From crypto futures to global futures, and eventually to a prop trading creator—LifeUp looks forward to KimTaJum's next entry.