Since entering the industry, I have been navigating this market for a full eight years. I still remember my first entry at age 29, witnessing the ups and downs of the crypto world along the way, and now my account has finally broken into eight figures. This experience has given me a deep understanding: there is only a thin line between obsession and persistence, and the key lies in how you view it.

The lifestyle has indeed changed. The days of being penny-wise and meticulous over a few dollars are gone. Now, I can casually book five-star hotels for business trips, spending thousands per night without a second thought. I habitually wear crypto-themed logos on my clothes and bags, which feels like declaring my identity on the street. Compared to elders working on factory assembly lines or doing odd jobs, my schedule is much more relaxed—no supply chain to monitor, no contracts to argue over, and no worries about clients defaulting.

The most common question I get is: how do you survive in this market?

I’ve thought about this question repeatedly, and the answer isn’t that complicated. Ultimately, it boils down to eight words: mindset first, skills second. Here are some trading insights I’ve accumulated over the years that I think are worth sharing.

**Logic About Mainstream Coins**

BTC will always be the brain of this ecosystem. To have a say in the circle, you must constantly pay attention to its every move. When BTC starts an upward trend, altcoins have a chance to follow; otherwise, it’s a scene of despair. ETH occasionally moves independently, but don’t expect too much in terms of risk resistance from altcoins—once the main market turns, small-cap coins are often the first to suffer.

**The Tug-of-War Between BTC and USDT**

There’s a subtle balance between these two assets. When USDT continues to appreciate, be alert that BTC might face a correction pressure; conversely, if BTC surges fiercely, it’s wise to allocate some USDT to lock in profits. This dynamic balance determines the flow of funds within the market.

**Trading Time Patterns**

After observing for a long time, you’ll notice the market has clear moods at specific times. Midnight to 1 AM often sees “spikes,” so placing limit orders before bed can help catch bargains. The movement between 6 and 8 AM can predict the day’s trend—if it’s still falling in the first half of the night, increasing positions has a high success rate, and a rebound usually occurs that day. But if it’s rising in the first half, be cautious—signals are already warning you to take profits promptly.

Around 5 PM, be especially cautious. Due to time zone differences, the US market’s entry often triggers intense volatility.

As for the so-called “Black Friday phenomenon,” don’t overhype it. Fridays have seen crashes, surges, and sideways consolidations. The key still depends on news and market sentiment.

**Core Logic of Holding Positions**

One of the most practical pieces of advice: as long as it’s not a complete scam project and there’s genuine trading volume, don’t panic when prices drop. Give it three to five days, or one or two months, and it will eventually recover. When you have spare funds, buy in batches to lower your average cost and accelerate your return to profit; if you don’t have extra capital, just hold patiently—usually, it’s not a big problem.

My most successful trade was DOGE. I bought in at 0.085 and never touched it since. It has now increased over 20 times. This case fully demonstrates the power of patience and holding.

Entering this market requires not talent, but an understanding of risk and good mental management. The market rewards those who can withstand volatility and stay clear-headed amid temptation.