Want to earn money steadily in the crypto world? Listen less to stories, don’t be swayed by those 'screenshots of tenfold increases in one day,' and don't believe in any 'insider information.' The crypto world is half future finance and half a human nature casino. To survive and even thrive here, it's not about luck but about extremely simple and somewhat counterintuitive rules.
There are no flashy theories; these are lessons learned with real money. If you understand it, you'll stand taller than 90% of the 'retail investors.'
Rule one: Your 'base' can only be Bitcoin
Listen carefully, it is 'can only.' Why is gold hard currency? Because it is rare, stable, and recognized globally. In the crypto world, Bitcoin is 'digital gold.' Don’t always think about bottom fishing; you are not a god. The most honest and effective method is called 'dollar-cost averaging.'
No matter how high the coins outside are soaring, be like an old man, steadily using spare money to buy Bitcoin every month. This is not trading coins; this is saving the hardest asset for your future self.
Rule two: Before making money, first make yourself 'valuable.'
Don't always stare at the K-line chart; you need to focus on yourself. Ask yourself: Besides buying and selling, what else can I do? Can you write articles? Make videos? Draw? Or do you know a bit of code?
Pick something you're a bit interested in and can continuously improve, and then start 'sharing.' No one is watching? Normal. If you're doing poorly? Inevitable. But as long as you keep producing, your thoughts and skills will become more valuable. Eventually, money will come looking for you, which is much better than chasing after money.
Rule three: Treat yourself 'seriously,' but don’t take yourself too seriously.
This is a paradox, and you have to figure it out for yourself.
First of all, you need a little 'mysterious confidence.' Slightly increase the value of your abilities and time in your mind. If you think you are worth 200 per hour, don't do work for 50. This mindset will push you to do greater things and meet greater people.
But at the same time, don't get complacent. If you make some money, don't think of yourself as the 'crypto god.' Remember, beyond money, your family, your health, and those few true friends are your real 'base.' If you lose money, you can earn it back; if you lose these, no matter how much you earn, it will be an empty shell.
Rule four: Be brave to try new things
First time using a wallet, afraid of losing assets? First time playing DeFi, afraid of making wrong authorizations? Fear means you respect risk, which is a good thing.
But just being afraid is useless; you have to 'bite the bullet.' Understand those frightening new things one by one. Each time you figure something out, your understanding expands a layer. This process is your way of leaving others behind. The Bitcoin in your hand is your greatest confidence in being able to 'test and learn.'
Rule five: Regularly 'smash' your comfort zone.
People are products of their environment. If everyone around you is discussing which 'shitcoin' can double, you'll eventually get itchy. If you realize you haven't made progress in a while, it's because your environment is too 'comfortable.'
At this point, you have to be a bit tough on yourself. Actively change your circle and mix with those discussing technology, macro issues, and the future. Even if you can't join the conversation at first, just listening is fine. This feeling of 'forced upgrading' is painful, but often the next breakthrough in wealth is hidden in that pain.
Rule six: Protecting money is a hundred times harder than making money.
Two red lines, don’t even touch them:
Don't touch shitcoins. Remember, 99% of projects in the crypto circle are headed for zero, and the founders are just there to make money. The 'hundred times coin' you bought today might become the evidence for your rights protection tomorrow.
Don't flaunt your wealth. Keeping a low profile and making big money is the highest wisdom. Once you show off, scammers, hackers, and even 'friends' around you may set their sights on you. Keep your extravagant desires to a minimum; money is meant to invest in the future, not to buy a few seconds of envy from others.
Rule seven: Don't use your 'golden bowl' to exchange for someone else's 'disposable chopsticks.'
This is especially important. When the bull market comes, everything goes wild, and many garbage coins rise crazily compared to Bitcoin. Many people will make a fatal mistake: selling Bitcoin to chase those popular garbage coins.
This is equivalent to using a golden bowl to exchange for a seemingly luxurious pair of disposable chopsticks. Once the wind blows over, the chopsticks break, and the bowl is gone. Remember, your hard assets are your roots; don't move them easily.
Rule eight: Memorize your mnemonic phrase, don't just save it in your favorites.
The last rule, and also the most crucial one.
Once your wealth becomes significant, you are no longer the inconspicuous retail investor but a 'fat meat' that glows in the dark forest. All eyes will be on you.
Mnemonic phrases/private keys are everything to you! You cannot take screenshots, upload them to cloud storage, or share them with anyone, including your parents. Go buy a hardware wallet, write down the mnemonic phrase on paper, and lock it in a safe. You cannot be too careful when it comes to security. Because here, no one can help you; you are your only bank.
Finally, a few words:
The crypto world has never been a place to make quick money; it is a place where patient, disciplined, and continuously learning people slowly become wealthy.
Forget those myths of getting rich quickly; be a smart builder, not a fanatic gambler. Time will prove that you can go much further than those who are always chasing highs and lows.