4.5 Years in Crypto: The Painful Truths That Save Accounts
After watching thousands of traders come and go since 2020, I can tell you this: the market doesn't care about hope, hype, or "next time." It only respects two things - preparation and patience. Here's what surviving multiple cycles taught me:
1. Plans Prevent Regret
Random entries become forced exits. Every trade needs:
Clear entry logic (not just "feels low")
Defined stop-loss (mathematically placed)
Realistic take-profit (not moon numbers)
2. Risk Rules Everything
That 100x leverage post you saw? The poster likely blew up next week. Truth:
1-2% risk per trade lets you sleep
5x max leverage keeps you in the game
No trade justifies risking rent money
3. Greed Always Loses First
The "just a little more" mindset destroys more accounts than bear markets. Reality check:
Taking 20% profit > watching 50% disappear
Letting winners run ≠ ignoring exit signals
Your worst trade will be the one you refused to close
4. Signals Are Snake Oil
That influencer's "100% win rate"? Ask to see their 2022 trades. Real trading means:
Backtesting strategies yourself
Knowing why entries work (not just copying)
Accepting no one has a crystal ball
5. Emotions Are the Real Enemy
Your psychology will be tested harder than your strategy:
Fear makes you exit early
Greed makes you stay too long
Ego makes you revenge trade
6. Time Beats Hype
The trader who made 5% weekly in 2021 now has a Lambo. The degens chasing 1000%? They're gone.
7. One Trade ≠ Your Career
The pros lose too - but they lose small and win consistently.
Final Reality Check
The market doesn't owe you anything. But if you bring discipline, patience, and respect for risk - it might just let you stay.
The choice is yours: be the trader who survives cycles, or the cautionary tale we discuss next bull run.
What lesson hit hardest for you? Let's discuss below.