10 Years in Crypto Hustle: The Rule of Survival Is Not About Technique, But Mindset

Many people ask me a seemingly simple but actually difficult question: “After being in the crypto market for so long, are you still alive normally?” My answer is: maybe — but only for those who survive long enough. I entered this market when I was very young. In the early years, I was just like most: entering trades based on emotions, burning accounts, reloading, and then repeating old mistakes. I don’t lack knowledge; what I lack is discipline and the right mindset. The turning point only came when I realized one thing: 👉 Crypto is not a race of the smartest, but a filter for those who control themselves best. The Market Doesn’t Follow K-Line, It Moves with Money Flow The biggest mistake most beginners make is obsessively watching price charts. But price is just the result, not the cause. The first thing I monitor every day is always the money flow: Bitcoin is the heartbeat of the market When BTC is stable, altcoins have room to grow. When BTC is volatile, capital preservation becomes more important than any “hot trade.” Stablecoins are the thermometer of emotions USDT, USDC money flow often increases during fear or when preparing to buy. Conversely, when stablecoins withdraw from exchanges, it’s usually a sign of excessive euphoria. When you understand the money flow, you will no longer be enchanted by green or red candles. The market then appears to you as a rhythm, not chaos. Trading Time Is Also a Trap Crypto runs 24/7, but real opportunities only appear at certain times: Late night – early morning: Low liquidity, very easy to get stop-hit or experience slippage due to sudden news. US market open: Large volatility, potential for profit but also very easy to pay tuition if you don’t have a plan. My principle is very simple: 👉 No trade without preparation. Missing an opportunity is always cheaper than entering a trade out of FOMO. Survival Limit: No Discipline, No Future This market is full of stories of “one trade changing life,” but the truth is quite the opposite: Higher leverage → faster exit from the market Fast profits → quick psychological breakdown My personal rules: Maximum leverage 3x, only use idle funds A loss over 10% of total capital → stop trading immediately Always diversify positions, never “all-in” It’s not because I am better than anyone else, but because I understand one thing: 👉 As long as you have capital, you still have a chance. Long-Term Thinking: Big Money Comes from Quiet Periods The crypto market is very good at creating illusions that you must be quick to make money. But my experience is completely the opposite. 90% of profits come from a very small number of trades The best positions often require time, not impatience I once held a position for over two years, enduring more than 60% volatility. But because my thesis didn’t change, I stayed put. When the market re-evaluates correctly, the reward far exceeds dozens of quick trades combined. Most of the “hundred times” stories you see online are just survivor bias. Winners are named, while thousands of losers quietly leave. Separating Life and Trading Can Go Far A mature trader is not someone who trades a lot, but someone who doesn’t let trading consume their entire life. I set very clear principles: Trading time each day no more than 4 hours Use emotional support tools: fear & greed index, on-chain data Don’t make decisions when tired, irritable, or overly excited Currently, my schedule is quite simple: Spend 1 hour in the morning to review the market, the rest is for research, reading materials, and family time. Stability in life helps me stay stable in trading, not the other way around. Conclusion: Surviving Is the First Victory After ten years in crypto, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is: The market is not short of opportunities, only short of those patient enough to wait for them. If you are constantly caught up in volatility, try slowing down: Train your mindset Manage your capital Make a clear plan In crypto, slow and steady always beats fast and burned out. Being able to stick around in this market is already a kind of victory. Learning is the most profitable investment for sustainable gains.