Profitable trading usually comes from one of these 4 edges:
1) Information
You know something others don’t. Maybe you’re close to a team, saw an early contract deploy, or just understand the mechanics before the crowd catches on. This is real edge - and it’s very rare.
2) Speed
You’re first. Whether it’s reacting to news, spotting volume shifts, or clicking faster than the rest - execution speed matters.
3) Risk Appetite
You’re willing to take risks others avoid. This could be entering early when it’s still uncomfortable, size when it feels dangerous, or backing something before consensus. It’s not just about guts, it’s about knowing when the asymmetry is worth it.
4) Interpretation
You believe they can outthink the crowd using the same public info.
- “I read the chart better.”
- “I see the narrative earlier.”
- “I connect the dots differently.”
This is the most crowded edge in the game.
Everyone thinks they’re the smart one.
If this is your bet, ask yourself: is it real edge, or just ego?
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Most traders either lie to themselves or pick the wrong edge for their personality.
You can’t force an edge that doesn’t fit.
You’re not going to outpace bots if you’re slow, or stomach risk if you're wired for caution.
The key is self-awareness: knowing what edge actually suits you, and building around it.
Delusion is expensive.