Sixty days into the 1000 Days Challenge — and today marks a milestone worth celebrating.
Back on July 14, 2025, I committed to this experiment: combine systematic trading, discipline, and data-driven decisions to grow an options portfolio over 1000 trading days. The journey hasn’t been smooth, but the results are starting to reflect the power of consistency.
Today, we hit Day 60, and the capital has grown from $50,000 to $62,052.23, a +24.1% return, averaging a CAGR of 223.6%. And most importantly — I feel like I’ve grown more as a trader in 2 months than in the past few years.
🧠 What’s Changed
Before this challenge, I used to chase trades. I was a victim of FOMO, always trying to catch every opportunity — SPY, IWM, QQQ, you name it. I’d often be over-leveraged, using 100% of my buying power and then scrambling when things went south.
Now?
I trade with a plan.
- Mondays and Tuesdays are reserved for 2/7 DTE Double Calendar setups
- Wednesdays to Fridays — I only trade 0DTE debit spreads if the edge is clearly backtested
- I’ve allocated 40% per day max on double calendars, and 10% for experimental trades
And most critically — I reflect. I document every trade. I write down what went right, what didn’t, and how I felt. The act of writing these blog posts is forcing me to trade less, but think more.
📊 Results So Far
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Days Completed | 60 / 1000 |
| Strategy Focus | 2/7 DTE Double Calendars + 0DTE Debit Spreads |
| Trading Days | 29 |
| Total Trades | 50+ |
| Starting Capital | $50,000 |
| Ending Capital | $62,052.23 |
| Net Return | +24.1% |
| CAGR (Annualized) | 223.6% (based on 60-day return) |
| Max Drawdown | -18.7% (so far) |
| Best Trade Return | +319.1% (Put Spread) |
⚖️ A Balanced Mindset
I’ve had big wins, like the +319% return on a single put debit spread… and big losses, like the -18.7% drawdown on a double calendar that gapped against me.
But I’m learning to treat both impostors the same.
“It is not the profit or loss that defines a great trader, but the consistency in executing a great plan.”
And that’s what I’m working on. One trade at a time. One week at a time.
🔮 What’s Next?
The goal remains the same:
- Grow this portfolio methodically
- Avoid emotional reactions
- Automate the best strategies
- Backtest before you trust
September has historically been a strong month for the 2/7 DTE Double Calendar. Based on three years of data, the edge exists — but only if executed properly. I plan to limit trades to Monday and Tuesday, and let theta decay + structure do the heavy lifting.
🛡️ Final Note
This blog is not financial advice. I’m not a financial advisor. This challenge is a personal journey in self-discipline, structure, and long-term growth. All trades are real, but the blog is for educational and reflection purposes only.
Here’s to Day 60… and the next 940 days.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The information presented in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as financial or investment advice. I am not a licensed financial advisor. All trading strategies discussed reflect my personal experience and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security or derivative.
Trading financial instruments such as options, futures, or stocks involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. You should conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Use of this information is at your own risk.