Break out of the 'trading is the only option' mindset trap

Waller mentions in (Cognitive Rules): 'If a person can gain insight into their innate intuition regarding certain patterns or skills, they can gain an incomparable advantage when engaging in similar activities.' In the cryptocurrency field, many people assume that the goals of 'financial freedom and building a brand' can only be achieved through trading, but this assumption may have been wrong from the start.


The crypto world is filled with information overload—real-time updates in Telegram channels, trending tweets on Twitter, instant discussions in Discord groups force people to constantly absorb information and act quickly. However, this multitasking does not bring clarity but chaos. Information overload is often packaged as deep insight, but chasing multiple goals in a structureless field can hinder your mastery of any one direction. Most people are obsessed with monitoring the market, but your core advantage may not be behind the trading desk at all.

Overlooked advantages: your value may not be where expected

The author once wanted to be a forward in the football team but was switched to defense by the coach. The coach pointed out that his broad vision, quick reflexes, and precise tackling timing—these overlooked traits made him shine in defense and ultimately become an indispensable member of the team. This tells us: value often lies beyond expectations; recognizing and investing in advantages can change everything.


In the crypto field, success is not limited to trading. You might be a natural communicator, artist, researcher, developer, or possess soft skills such as leadership, organizational ability, and social affinity. These are all core competencies that can directly translate into influence in a decentralized, rapidly changing crypto ecosystem:

  • Artists can design NFTs and project visual materials;

  • Marketers can create narratives and attract attention;

  • Researchers can dissect trends and simplify complex problems;

  • Developers can build tools and develop projects;

  • Entertainment professionals can operate live broadcasts and build communities...
    Almost all skills in the real world can find application in the crypto field. The earlier you recognize your skills, the clearer the path.

Even trading should move towards 'specialization'

Of course, trading is still an important direction, but successful people are never 'generalists'; they are 'specialists.' The path to finding trading advantages is often: try all fields (from meme coins to perpetual contracts) → discover scattered successes through failures → focus deeply on those areas that 'feel natural.'


Eventually, segmented directions will emerge: some specialize in daily trending meme coins, some track capital inflows, some closely follow smart wallets, some only work with technical tokens, and some build systems around hype cycles. Each style requires trial and error, feedback, and pattern recognition, and real advantages often only become apparent after a series of losses—what's key is to observe carefully.

Three-layer advantage stacking: make yourself irreplaceable

Advantages usually exist on three levels; the more stacked, the harder to replace:

Trading layer

If you are sensitive to narratives, good at technical analysis, can identify capital flows, or plan exit timing, 'belief + skill' is your advantage. You understand entry, exit, and reduction logic and act decisively.

Building layer

As a developer, designer, or manager, if you understand on-chain mechanisms, can quickly build websites/tools/dashboards, and can lead teams to deliver results, 'structure + product' is your advantage.

Social layer

If you express clearly, excel at simplifying complex problems, can build communities, and understand attention economics, 'vitality + information transmission' is your advantage.

Skill stacking: from 'single advantage' to 'top player'

The most successful people stack new skills on existing advantages rather than frequently jumping fields or stagnating:


  • Communicator + Trading skills = Broader influence;

  • Builder + Social skills = Products used by more people;

  • Trader + Constructive mindset = Ability to create products that the market needs;

  • Trading + Building + Socializing = Top participants in the crypto space—they have followers, operate private information groups, launch products, and navigate various fields with ease.

Start with action: how to kickstart your crypto journey?

  • Free output value: exposure is more important than perfection. Join the team, design materials, create content, share opinions; generous people will always be noticed.

  • Post more content: don't be afraid of making mistakes; someone always needs your perspective. The fear of expressing publicly should not hinder you.

  • Apply for Web3 jobs: join project teams with professional skills; even small teams can open many doors for you.

  • Continue to provide value: convey information, share insights, help others; value will eventually flow back.

  • Stick to long-termism: avoid scams or speculation, act like 'still active in five years'; trust is the foundation for the long run.

Summary

Find what you are naturally good at, refine it, and then stack new skills—this is not bragging, but expanding your advantages. There is not just one way to succeed in the crypto field; your 'innate intuition' is the best 'cheat code.' Use it well, and you can carve out your own path.