Hey friend, are you just starting out in crypto?
Here are 5 things I really want you to understand so you don’t make the same mistakes I (and many others) made in the beginning.
When I first started investing in crypto, I made a few rookie mistakes that could’ve been avoided with the right guidance. Here are five key lessons I wish I had known earlier—tips that can help any beginner navigate the crypto space with more confidence and caution.
1. FOMO Is Your Enemy
One of my first big mistakes was investing purely out of FOMO—the fear of missing out. I would see a coin pump on social media and jump in without doing any research, hoping to catch the wave. More often than not, I ended up buying high and selling low.
Lesson: Always do your own research (DYOR). Hype is temporary, but losses can be permanent. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Not All Cryptos Are Equal
I thought every cryptocurrency had the same potential as Bitcoin or Ethereum. I invested in dozens of altcoins without understanding their utility, team, or project goals.
Lesson: Focus on quality over quantity. Learn about a project's fundamentals, use cases, tokenomics, and community before investing. A well-researched investment is always safer than a random pick.
3. Security Is Everything
I kept most of my crypto on exchanges, not realizing how risky that could be. I didn’t set up two-factor authentication, and I never used a hardware wallet. Luckily, I never got hacked—but it was a close call.
Lesson: Protect your assets. Use strong passwords, enable 2FA, and consider using cold storage (like a hardware wallet) for large amounts. Not your keys, not your crypto.
4. Volatility Is Normal—Don’t Panic
I wasn’t prepared for the emotional rollercoaster. One day I was up 50%, the next day down 30%. I panicked and sold at a loss, only to watch the market recover days later.
Lesson: Crypto is volatile. It’s important to have a long-term mindset and an investment strategy. Don’t let emotions dictate your decisions—patience pays.
5. Education Is the Best Investment
In the beginning, I relied on random tweets and YouTube hype videos for information. I didn’t understand blockchain technology, token utility, or market trends.
Lesson: Take the time to educate yourself. Read whitepapers, follow trusted sources, take online courses, and join communities. The more you learn, the better your decisions will be.
Final Thoughts
Starting out in crypto can be exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. I learned the hard way that preparation is key. If you're new to the space, take these five lessons to heart. They can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.
Remember, every expert was once a beginner. The best thing you can do is start smart, stay curious, and never stop learning.