The most heartbreaking thing in a bull market is not missing out, but seeing the coins you sold soar and become your 'ex,' smiling at you on the gains leaderboard every day—this is something I could talk about for three days and nights with new friends just entering the market.
After 8 years of doing crypto analysis, there are only two things on my computer desktop: one is market software, and the other is a yellowed screenshot of a sticky note that says 'Panic means losing,' under which is pressed the trading record of selling a mainstream coin at $0.15 back then. Later, when this coin surged to $3, I didn't regret the money; instead, I printed out that steep K-line screenshot that could serve as a slide and stuck it next to my monitor as a 'guardian deity.'
I’m not exaggerating; retail investors in a bull market are like dandelions standing in the wind, panicking and scattering as soon as the wind blows (the market moves). A few years ago, I also made this mistake: I panicked and cleared my position as soon as a certain platform coin doubled, only to see it increase five times afterward; after finally mustering the courage to chase a hot conceptual coin at a high, a small bearish candle made me think, 'Just break even is fine,' and as I sold, it turned into a continuous green candle mode.
After experiencing N times of 'emotional losses,' I tore up my trading journal and rewrote it, summarizing three sets of 'anti-human nature operation manuals.' During last year's big fluctuations, my account curve transformed from a 'heartbeat chart' into a 'steady uphill road.' Today, I share this without reservation with everyone—
First trick: wait for the signal, don’t be a 'light chaser.'
I now have a strict rule: no matter how lively the market gets, as long as the price hasn't steadily stood above the 120-day moving average, treat it as 'performing a skit.' I changed the alert tone of my trading software to 'wait a bit longer,' and every time I feel the urge to enter, that reminder feels like a bucket of cold water (gentle version), changing my mindset from 'fear of missing out' to 'fear of making a wrong buy.'
Don't think this move is conservative. Last year, a friend of mine didn't listen to advice and jumped in as soon as a certain coin broke through the short-term moving average, resulting in being stuck for two months; meanwhile, I waited for it to stabilize above the 120-day moving average before entering, avoiding the correction and riding the main uptrend. In terms of calculations, this one move alone increased my trading win rate by nearly 30%.
Second trick: diversify your positions, only when you have 'bullets' can you stay calm.
Capital management is the 'bulletproof vest' of a bull market. I now divide my available funds into six parts: invest only 20% for the initial position, add 10% if it drops by 15%, and another 10% if it drops by another 10%; withdraw 10% profit when it rebounds by 25%, always keeping 10% as 'reserve funds.' This way, even if a correction occurs, I have chips to average down and profits to cushion me, so I won't panic and sell at the bottom anymore.
Last time a certain coin suddenly plummeted by 18%, the group was in despair saying it would 'go to zero.' I followed my plan and added 10% to my position, and within three days it rebounded, not only did I not lose, but I also made an extra 5%. Remember: stability in positions in a bull market allows for stability in mindset.
Third trick: rely on the system, don’t rely on 'watching the market skills.'
Before opening a position, I must do one thing: write down the entry point, defense point, and target point in my notebook, then input them into an automated tool to close the position or take profits automatically when the time comes. There was a time when the market suddenly fluctuated in the middle of the night, and when the system prompted me to take profits, I was putting on a face mask and watching a show, completely unaffected.
Just think about it, staring at the market until midnight every day, not to mention your eyes getting red, but it's also easy to make chaotic trades due to emotional highs. Hand over the discipline to the system; all you need to do is take care of 'eating, drinking, and having fun.' Isn't that better than being a 'watching tool'?
In fact, the real opponent in a bull market is not the market, but your own emotions. Those fluctuating K-lines are essentially testing your patience and discipline.
Next time the market fluctuates, why not try turning off the market software, take a walk downstairs, or have a hot pot with friends? When you come back to check your account, you might find that profits have quietly nestled inside—after all, those who sit steadily in the car are the most qualified to enjoy the scenery.
I am Old Lin, an analyst who has survived in the crypto market for 8 years relying on anti-human nature strategies. I will share more practical tips later, so follow me, and in the next bull market, let's become 'sure-win players' together and not turn into 'emotional leeks!' After all, no one wants to see others flaunting profit screenshots while you show a chat record saying 'if only I hadn't sold,' right?
