After years in the crypto world, I’ve come to understand one principle more and more — the ones who laugh last are often not the smartest, but the most disciplined.

Those positions that exploded or losses that were absorbed have become my current trading principles. Today I’ll summarize these to help everyone avoid some detours.

**Rule 1: Tighten your grip once you profit**

Many people always think about catching the top and selling at the highest point. Honestly, that’s pure self-deception. After buying in, if it rises 10%, stay alert to the market; if it drops back to the purchase price, exit without hesitation; if it rises to 20%, take half of the profit; if it reaches 30%, lock in at least 15% of the gains. In the futures market, no one can precisely hit the top and bottom — true experts don’t make money by doing that, but by protecting the profits they’ve already secured. Relying on gut feelings is a thousand times less reliable than following the rules.

**Rule 2: Cut losses decisively**

This rule has saved me countless times. If your position drops more than 15% below your buy-in price, even if you still believe in the coin, you should cut your losses and exit. Even if it rebounds later, it just means you didn’t get the timing right — not that your direction was wrong. Opportunities are everywhere in the market; what’s truly lacking is the resolve to act decisively. A trade without a stop-loss is essentially gambling with your capital — and that kind of gamble only leads to tragedy.

**Rule 3: Buy back if you miss the dip**

If the price falls after you sell and the trend hasn’t reversed, be brave and buy back — your position size remains the same, and you might even earn more cash flow. If you hesitated and missed the chance, don’t hold on stubbornly when the price returns to your cost line — just buy in. Transaction fees are insignificant; the real loss is missing out on opportunities.

**One sentence summary**

Short-term trading is never about reckless orders, and chasing hot spots isn’t about blindly rushing in. Always remember — being able to sell is more valuable than being able to buy. Stop dreaming about perfectly catching the top and bottom. Discipline and controlling the rhythm are the keys to surviving longer and earning more steadily in the crypto world.