In the buzzing world of digital assets, most headlines are reserved for record profits, massive losses, or daring crypto whales. But not every story begins with high-stakes trading. Mine starts with observation, curiosity—and a spreadsheet.

I’ve never placed a real trade. No BTC bought, no ETH sold. Yet over the past few months, I’ve followed markets with the focus of a seasoned trader, analyzing patterns, tracking news, and simulating trades as if real money were on the line.

How It Started

My interest in crypto grew as Bitcoin passed the $100K mark in early 2025. With limited capital and a hunger to understand the market, I began charting my own “virtual trades.” I’d pick entry and exit points, set stop-loss levels, and journal every thought. Over time, these exercises evolved into structured trading strategies, helping me spot trends, filter noise, and think critically—without losing sleep (or money).

The Lessons Learned

Even in simulation, emotions creep in. The thrill of a “perfect” hypothetical call. The sting of a near-miss. These experiences taught me that successful trading is less about luck and more about preparation, patience, and discipline.