In my early years of trading crypto, I was like many others — staying up all night, chasing pumps, panic-selling dips, and losing sleep over red days. I was caught in a cycle of emotional decisions and inconsistent results.

Eventually, I found stability by sticking to one simple principle:

“If the signals I know and trust don’t show up, I don’t trade — period.”

I’d rather miss an opportunity than take a reckless trade. That rule became my foundation, and thanks to it, I now maintain over 70% annual returns — no luck, no gambling, just discipline.

If you’re just getting started, here are a few hard-earned lessons from my own real trading experience:

1. Take Profits — Immediately

Don’t get greedy. If you’re up $1,000 today, withdraw $300 to your bank right away and keep trading with the rest. I’ve seen too many people turn a 3x gain into a 0x because they wanted 5x. Lock in profits. Repeat.

2. Trust Indicators, Not Emotions

Feelings aren’t a trading strategy. Use tools. Download TradingView and watch these indicators before entering any trade:

• MACD: Look for golden crosses or death crosses.

• RSI: Watch for overbought or oversold levels.

• Bollinger Bands: Is there a squeeze or a breakout forming?

Only consider entering when at least two indicators align with your direction.

3. Flexible Stop-Loss = Secured Profits

If you can monitor your trades, adjust your stop-loss upward once you’re in profit. Bought at 1000 and it hits 1100? Move your stop to 1050 to lock in gains.

If you’re stepping away, always set a firm stop-loss — around 3% — to protect yourself from flash crashes.

4. Withdraw Weekly Without Fail

Unrealized profits are just numbers until withdrawn. Every Friday, I transfer 30% of my weekly profits to my bank. The remaining balance continues to compound. Over time, this habit steadily grows both my portfolio and peace of mind.

5. Read Candlesticks With Purpose

• For short-term trades, use the 1-hour chart: Two bullish candles in a row? Consider going long.

• If the market is ranging, check the 4-hour chart for support levels. When price approaches a support zone, watch for an entry.

Final Thought:

Crypto trading isn’t gambling — it’s a job.

Clock in, clock out. Stick to your plan. Eat on time. Sleep on time. Trade only when your signals appear. You’ll be surprised how much more consistent and profitable you become when discipline replaces emotion.