Hi fellow traders,
We may never meet, but believe me: I understand what you feel. I have also sat in your position—staring at the chart that keeps being red, portfolio evaporating, and the question “*Should I quit?*” bothering me every day. But here, I want to share how I survived, not as an expert, but as a fellow fighter.
---
### 1. “We Knew This Would Happen, Right?”
The market is down? That’s not a bug, it’s a feature.
- Remember the first time we learned trading? All the materials said: the market goes up and down. But when it really happens, we are shocked. Ironic, isn’t it?
- Fact: Since 1950, the US stock market has experienced 12 recessions. On average, it takes 3 years to recover. But afterwards? All-time high again.
- Crypto? Bitcoin crashing 80-90% is common. But each time, it returns with a more mature ecosystem.
So, this is not the end. This is a mental test.
---
### 2. “Don't Force Yourself to ‘Positive Thinking’, But…”
We are human. It's okay to be sad, angry, or disappointed. But don’t let it last more than 24 hours.
- Do this:
1. Acceptance: “Okay, my portfolio is down X%. This is a fact.”
2. Pause: Don’t open the chart for 1 day. Breathe.
3. Analysis: “What is the cause? Strategic error or external factors?”
Honestly: I once cut losses due to emotions, then regretted it when the price rebounded. Don’t be like me!
---
### 3. “Survival Kit for Wounded Traders”
This is not textbook theory, but practical steps that I use:
- Emergency:
- If a margin call threatens, liquidate the most volatile assets first. Prioritize survival.
- Don't increase your loans!
- If There Is Still Breath:
- DCA (Dollar-Cost Averaging): Allocate 5-10% of funds each month to buy quality assets when cheap.
- Hedge: Shift some into stablecoins or digital gold (example: PAXG).
- Broken Portfolio? Use this momentum for a portfolio reset: Sell “zombie assets” (dead assets), focus on the top 3-5 assets.
---
### 4. “Those Who Endure Will Take the Treasure”
Look at whales and institutions: When retail panics, they quietly accumulate.
- Real Example:
- 2022: Goldman Sachs bought hundreds of millions of dollars worth of crypto assets at their lowest price.
- 2020: Warren Buffett bought airline stocks during COVID, even though many laughed.
- Lesson: Smart money is not afraid of blood on the streets. They have a plan.
We can mimic: Make a list of assets “*dream list*” that you want to buy if the price is discounted by 50%. Then, wait for accumulation signals.
---
### 5. “Trading is 90% Psychology, 10% Analysis”
We can all learn RSI or Fibonacci, but without a strong mentality, it’s useless.
- Train Emotions:
- Trading journal: Write down every buy/sell decision, plus the emotions at that time. In 1 month, you will know your mistake patterns.
- Meditation: 10 minutes a day can reduce impulsivity.
- Remember: The market always overreacts. When FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt) peaks, it’s usually a sign that a reversal is coming.
---
### 6. “Even If You Go Bankrupt, This Is Not The End”
I know a trader who lost Rp2 billion in 2018. He worked part-time, learned again, and in 2021 returned with a profit of Rp5 billion. His story is not luck, but consistency.
- What To Do If You Suffer Severe Loss:
1. Stop trading temporarily. Find another source of income.
2. Audit mistakes: Was the leverage too high? Too little research?
3. Comeback slowly with small capital.
---
### Conclusion: We Are All in the Same Boat
I cannot guarantee when the market will be green again. But I believe: disciplined and adaptive traders will always find a way.
In conclusion, allow me to share a favorite quote from Paul Tudor Jones:
“The secret to being successful is to have an undying and unrelenting love for the game.”
So, as long as you keep trying, keep learning, and keep rising—you are already a winner.
Stay on the screen, my friend. Later we will laugh together when this storm passes. 🚀