Self-Discipline of a Crypto Investor: From Account Burnout to Going Against the Flow

Burning accounts seven or eight times is not the worst thing. The worst is always falling in the same spot every time. Recently, a brother came to me. In just two months, he lost all the money saved over five years of working. He forced a smile: “Let’s just say those five years of working were unpaid for the market.” Looking at his trading history, I saw a familiar scene: still placing orders at 3 a.m., and by 7 a.m… the account is wiped out. This market has never spared tears. I’ve seen people burn out seven or eight times in a row and still try to hold on, and I’ve also seen people go all-in once and then leave the game forever. Most losses are not due to lack of skill, but because of missing the rhythm. In the past, just believing in the “four-year cycle” was enough to sit and wait for wealth. But now, the old map no longer leads to new treasures. Don’t Fall for the “Four-Year Cycle” – That Era Is Over The 2025 market will teach everyone a lifelong lesson. The continuous three-year rise of Bitcoin was broken, with total market capitalization dropping over 20%. Many people are stunned. Bitcoin is shifting from a highly volatile speculative asset to a structural reserve tool. Volatility is gradually decreasing, and the adjustment cycles are more “smooth.” What does that mean? It means the era of making quick money through rapid pump-and-dump is gradually ending. Long-term thinking and proper asset allocation will become more important than short-term trading. A notable sign: the amount of Bitcoin on exchanges is steadily decreasing. Smart money is withdrawing coins to wallets for holding, rather than keeping them on exchanges for short-term trading. When you’re busy chasing the peak and cutting losses, others are already setting up for a long-term game. Most People Are Wrong in One Place: Rhythm Is More Important Than Technique I know a 9x friend. Last year, thanks to strict capital management discipline, he paid off 100,000 yuan debt and then withdrew from the market. He said: “I won’t come back, but at least I leave with money in hand.” Cutting losses is not cowardice. Stopping is not failure. Last December, when the market was euphoric, I advised everyone to gradually reduce their positions. Some listened, some said I was too cautious. The result: January saw a 30% correction. Those who preserved their capital still have a chance now. Reading K-line charts and learning technical analysis are necessary. But if your psychology is unstable, no matter how good your skills are, they’re useless. This market “specializes” in overconfident traders. The faster you want to get rich, the easier you burn out quickly. Where Are the Opportunities Now? Don’t Use the Old Map to Find a New Path The main axis of the market has changed. Bitcoin and stablecoins are becoming the two pillars. Stablecoins are no longer just trading tools; they are gradually becoming cross-border payment infrastructure and corporate settlement tools. Traditional capital is seeking ways to enter crypto through these new bridges. But the opportunity is not for those chasing the peak. It belongs to those who see the trend early, position themselves before the crowd reacts. When everyone knows it’s a “chance,” it’s usually already risky. My Experience: The Market Can Only “Lead,” Not “Rescue” I’ve helped many people climb out of deep holes. Some turned 3,400 into 27,000 in three months, others took half a year to recover their capital. Everyone’s circumstances are different, but the common point is they all learned to control the rhythm. The market is not lacking in waves; it’s lacking people who can clearly say the direction and maintain a stable pace: when to enter, when to stop. This is more important than any indicator. I never promise 100% profits. That’s the job of dream sellers. What I can do is help you avoid obvious traps, reduce trial-and-error costs – the most expensive thing in this market. The Road Ahead: Some Practical Advice First, forget the “four-year cycle” mindset. The market structure has changed, and strategies and mindsets must change accordingly. Second, shift focus from short-term fluctuations to long-term trends. Bitcoin is becoming an asset held by institutions. Stablecoins are becoming financial infrastructure. These are bigger trends than any 5-minute candle. Third, control your positions. Survival is more important than anything. I’ve seen many skilled analysts but poor capital management, ending up defeated right before dawn. And finally, don’t go alone. Find a community where you can exchange ideas, remind each other, and avoid falling into emotional whirlpools. When the rhythm is right and your mindset is steady, you’ll see this market is not as scary as you think. At least, it won’t be your “harvesting machine” every day.