I discovered Bitcoin a year after its creation and, from the beginning, I knew I was facing something big. I was fascinated by the idea, but most of the information was very technical and complex, so I put it on pause for a while. Even so, I never lost track of it: I read news, followed debates and remained curious.
Like many at that time, the difficulty of accessing the purchase of BTC in a practical and safe way prevented me from entering early. But I took advantage of that time to learn: I thoroughly investigated how bitcoin works, the blockchain and what made them so special.
It was not until the beginning of 2021, when bitcoin reached $61,000, that I finally dared to take the step. I bought my first satoshis and started my journey as a HODLer. Since then, I have experienced everything: ups, downs, hype, uncertainty and a lot of learning. And today I want to share with you the 5 most important lessons that this experience left me.
1. Ignore price predictions
Each bullish cycle comes loaded with spectacular predictions. There is no shortage of "gurus" who assure that Bitcoin will reach $500,000 or even a million. And although it sounds exciting, the truth is that no one has a crystal ball. The crypto market is volatile, unpredictable and often emotional.
Obsessing over the short-term price only generates anxiety. Instead, what is in your hands is to strengthen your knowledge, focus on real adoption, and follow a clear and sustained plan that adapts to your goals. Patience and long-term perspective always beat momentary hype.
2. Don't fall for the noise of altcoins
During FOMO cycles it is easy to be carried away by promises of "the next big thing". Every week a new altcoin appears with aggressive marketing and an euphoric community that promises to multiply your investment. Over the years I have seen thousands of these tokens emerge like shooting stars and disappear just as quickly.
Some have good intentions, but many are just smoke. Altcoins may offer quick returns, yes, but they also involve disproportionate risks, from projects without technical support to hidden scams. On the other hand, bitcoin has proven to be the most resilient over time, with an increasingly robust network, growing institutional adoption and a truly global community.
If you are going to diversify, do it with information, not with impulse. But never lose sight of the solidity of the asset that started it all.
3. Embrace DCA and patience
The Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) strategy has been key to staying in the game without burning out. It consists of investing a fixed amount each week or month, regardless of whether the price goes up or down. This technique allowed me to build a solid position over time and took away the pressure of trying to predict the market.
With DCA I don't feel obliged to act by emotions or to chase price peaks. Instead, I focus on constancy. In the long term, what makes the difference is not entering at the "perfect" moment, but staying in time. DCA turns investment into a habit, not a bet, and that is fundamental in an ecosystem as volatile as crypto.
4. Security is non-negotiable
Over time, I realized that many errors are repeated in the community: leaving funds in exchanges without activating two-step authentication (2FA), using weak passwords or, worse, sharing the seed phrase of their wallets.
I learned by observing what happened to others: people who were scammed by responding to private messages with unrealistic promises or who lost all their assets in seconds by trusting the wrong people. That is why today I apply good digital security practices and never lower my guard. In crypto, personal security is non-negotiable.
5. Constantly educating yourself is a competitive advantage
Bitcoin and cryptos evolve at an impressive speed. Each new cycle brings with it different concepts, tools and challenges. Understanding what a seed phrase is, how nodes work, what a halving implies, etc., can make the difference between making the right decisions or falling into costly errors.
You don't need to be a developer or technical expert, but it is essential to maintain an attitude of continuous learning. From reading articles and participating in communities to watching videos or attending events, every form of education adds up. Personally, learning constantly gave me the confidence not to be carried away by panic when the market collapses, nor by euphoria when everything goes up without stopping. Conviction is born from knowledge, and that is what really sustains the HODLer in the long term.
Before finishing, I want to say that these are just some of the lessons that have marked me the most on this journey with Bitcoin. Over time I have learned many more—about market psychology, emotion management, how to survive bear markets, among others—that I would love to share in another installment. But for now, these five are an excellent starting point for any beginner.
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HODLing bitcoin since 2021 has been a revealing and transformative experience. Beyond price increases or viral news, this journey taught me to see cryptocurrencies as a gateway to a new financial model. It's not just about making money, but about understanding how a technology can change the way we value, exchange and protect our assets.
If you are starting, do not despair for quick profits. Take the time to learn, avoid the most common mistakes, protect your investment and be clear that in crypto, patience and constant education are your best allies. Above all, keep an open mind and a curious mind: that is where the true value of this path begins.
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How long have you been a HODLer? What lessons has your HODLer process left you? Share your experience and help those who are just starting their crypto journey.
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Note: This article should not be considered financial advice. Always do your own research and make informed decisions when investing in cryptocurrencies.