After so many years of trading, some lessons truly come at the cost of losses.

I entered the market in 2017 and have experienced several rounds of bull and bear cycles. Now, before every trade, I run through these rules in my mind. I can’t promise they’ll make you rich, but at the very least, they can help you survive longer in the market.

**On Reading the Market Rhythm**
Daily candles (1D) are important, but if you only watch the daily chart for short-term trades, you’ll miss a lot of information. I’m used to pulling up the 30-minute timeframe. Many candles that look like a top with long upper wicks actually still have a healthy structure on the lower timeframes. I’ve seen too many cases where things reverse the very next day. Multi-timeframe confluence is fundamental.

**Don’t Fight a Bad Market**
Once the trend breaks down and the structure gets messy, it’s time to step aside and observe. Forcing trades in chaotic market conditions is basically digging your own grave. Going with the trend isn’t just a slogan—it’s a survival rule.

**Liquidity Is the Lifeline**
For short-term trading, you must pick assets with hype and liquidity. If nobody’s watching it, no capital is flowing in, and the narrative is cold, no matter how pretty the chart looks, it’s just window dressing. Money always flows where there’s a story.

**Don’t Let Emotions Dictate Your Trades**
Before every entry, ask yourself: Is this trade part of my plan, or am I just itching to trade after watching the price action? Impulsive trades end in regret nine times out of ten.

**Independent Thinking Is Everything**
Anyone’s opinion—whether it’s a big influencer, an analyst, or seasoned traders in your group—should only serve as a reference. The final decision must be yours, because it’s your money on the line if you’re wrong.

**Direction Matters More Than Hard Work**
First, determine the overall market direction, then select specific assets. If your direction is right, almost any trade will work; if it’s wrong, no matter how hard you try, it’s like swimming upstream.

**Buy the Uptrend, Not Just the Expectation**
A lot of people love bottom fishing, always thinking “it’s about to bounce here.” But price always moves along the path of least resistance. Instead of guessing the bottom, wait for the trend to emerge before getting in. Trading with the trend is easier and has a higher win rate.

**Pause After Big Swings**
Whether you score a big win or suffer a big loss, stay out of the market that day. Take a break to review and figure out the reasons behind your gains or losses, filtering out the emotions. I’ve used this rule for years: after major swings, I cool off for a few days, and my decision accuracy improves significantly afterward.

These things sound simple, but truly mastering them takes time and a price. The market won’t give you a green light just because you understand them, but at the very least, they’ll help you avoid some detours.