8 Years in the Market: The Secret That Helped Me Survive Every Bull and Bear Cycle

Many people ask me: why do some people survive through the entire bull and bear cycles while others disappear after just one wave?

The answer isn’t in “insider information” or some divine indicator. It lies in two things: understanding market rhythm and self-control.

Below are six principles I’ve distilled after many years navigating the crypto market. These aren’t just theories; they are lessons paid for with real money and real time.

1. Rapid Rise – Slow and Steady Decline Is Not Usually the Peak
   When the market accelerates strongly and then gradually corrects, it’s mostly a process of shaking out and draining liquidity.
   The true peak is often accompanied by extreme euphoria followed by a very quick reversal. If you see the market just “languishing” with gentle corrections, it’s not necessarily the end.

2. Fast Drop – Slow Recovery Is Usually a Trap
   After a sharp crash, a slow rebound makes many think “the bottom is in.”
   But in reality, weak recoveries after a deep fall are often just a pull to unload more holdings. The market doesn’t give you easy opportunities to catch the perfect bottom.

3. High Price Isn’t Scary – Illiquidity Is
   When prices rise and volume remains healthy, it means money is still participating, and the game isn’t over.
   The most dangerous situation is when prices stay high but liquidity dries up. Silence at the top is often a worse signal than any red candle.

4. A Single Green Candle Doesn’t Create a Trend
   A bottom isn’t formed in a day.
   The market needs time to accumulate, with multiple small upward moves and improving volume. A strong pump is sometimes just emotional fireworks—beautiful but fleeting.

5. Don’t Just Look at Price—Watch the Money Flow
   Price charts show you the outcome.
   Volume shows you the sentiment.
   Money enters before a breakout. Money exits before a crash. Those who understand the flow of funds can read the story behind the chart.

6. Knowing When to Stay Out Is a Skill
   Not trading is also a trading decision.
   New traders fear missing out.
   Experienced traders fear losing capital.
   Holding cash when the trend isn’t clear isn’t weakness; it’s discipline. When you’re no longer driven by FOMO, you truly take control of the game.

After many years in the market, I realize one thing:
The market doesn’t favor anyone. It shows no mercy to those lacking discipline but always rewards those who wait and control themselves.

If you find yourself always buying at the top and selling at the bottom, the problem isn’t the market—it’s how you see and react to it.

Understand the rhythm.
Maintain discipline.
Control your emotions.

Just doing these three things sets you apart from 90% of the crowd.