Journey from "Account Burnout King" to Stable Investor: Three Lessons That Helped Me Survive in the Market

Knowing how to accept losses gives you the chance to win in the long run. I still remember vividly the first night I stepped into the world of derivatives contracts. Focused on the 5-minute chart, my heart pounding with each candle, cold sweat dripping down my hands. I once believed I had found the “key to wealth.” But in less than two hours, a warning message about my account appeared on the screen. Years have passed, and I see too many people walking the same old path: High leverage doesn’t bring speed; it’s a countdown clock. Chasing prices out of fear of missing out makes you buy at the top. Stubbornly holding onto losing positions can turn a manageable loss into a disaster. In this market, there’s no shortage of celebrities, acquaintances, or “inspirational stories” caught in the whirlpool of disputes and losses. Crypto isn’t just about opportunities — it’s full of traps. Three Traps That Cause Most Investors to Fail A brutal statistic: the average lifespan of a derivatives trading account is just over a month. Why? Most repeat three deadly mistakes:

1. Excessive Leverage, Gambling Psychology Leverage sounds very attractive: “increase size, maximize profits.” But few mention that it also amplifies losses. The market can make a strong correction, and your account could drop to zero.
2. Trading Based on Emotions, Led by FOMO When you buy out of fear of missing out, that’s a red flag. An asset that has already increased by hundreds of percent is usually no longer cheap. You’re entering the game late — and very easily become the buyer at the top.
3. Refusing to Accept Losses, Holding on Until the End There’s a common misconception: “holding on will bring you back to shore.” But the market doesn’t turn around just because you’re persistent. Holding on to losses only turns small losses into fatal wounds. My Turning Point: From “Swing Trader” to “Believer in Big Cycles” After several account burnouts, I had to change my approach: Trade Only with Major Trends I almost never look at very short timeframes. Short-term fluctuations today are mainly driven by robots and algorithms. I focus on trends from the 4-hour chart and above to make disciplined decisions. Only Take High-Probability Trades No trying to buy the bottom or sell the top. I choose the safest middle zone — where the probability of winning is higher. Like fishing, you don’t cast the net all the time; only strike when the “weather” is favorable. Every Trade Has a Stop-Loss Point This is the most important change. I limit risk on each trade to a small portion of my total capital. Thanks to that, a series of wrong trades no longer make me fail; just one favorable market move can help me recover. 3 Principles of Survival in Risk Management Principle 1: Use Only Idle Funds Investment capital should not cause life pressure: no borrowing, no using money needed for education, living expenses, or family. In crypto, financial discipline is the first line of defense. Principle 2: Managing Positions Is an Art Don’t put all your funds into one asset. Prioritize large-cap coins for the core portfolio, and keep some cash to seize opportunities during market panic. Principle 3: Emotions Are More Important Than Indicators Set rules before trading. After a loss, step away from the screen to avoid “revenge trading.” When in profit, know when to take partial profits. Discipline helps you go the distance. Final Reminder Crypto is not a promised land. It’s like a forest: full of opportunities, but also many traps. Ironically, the opportunities are always there, but many people leave the game before luck smiles upon them. Those who survive the growth cycle are not necessarily the smartest, but the most disciplined and the longest survivors. In this market, the number one goal isn’t “get rich quickly,” but preserving capital to wait for the right moment. Remember: longevity is more important than quick wins. Capital preservation is your ticket to truly seize opportunities.