6 Survival Principles in Crypto: Practical Experience That Helped Me Stay Resilient for Over Ten Years

Discipline is more important than any technical indicator. Eight years ago, I also experienced the feeling of “blowing up my account” overnight. At that time, I thought I lost because my analysis was not good enough. Later, I realized: technique is only the tip of the iceberg; what determines survival is discipline. The crypto market today is different from the past: from a vague gray area to a new asset class attracting major institutions. But the market’s essence remains unchanged — it’s unforgiving of subjectivity and always “punishes” overconfident minds. Below are six principles I’ve derived through sweat and real money. Not “secret tips for quick wealth,” but a survival manual. Important note: This article shares personal experience, not investment advice. Crypto is highly volatile — manage risks, only use capital you can afford to lose, and always take responsibility for your decisions.

1. Focus Only on Money Flow, Ignore the Noise My watchlist only includes coins with clear inflows in the last 10–15 days. Trading volume doesn’t lie; it’s a direct trace of big money. The market is flooded with news: celebrities “call the shots,” projects announce partnerships, policy news… Most of these have passed through many intermediaries. Big money when accumulating never makes noise — they leave footprints through gradually increasing volume and controlled price rises. My habit: spend 10 minutes daily scanning growth tables, not looking for “shock candles,” but for steadily rising coins with continuously expanding volume.
2. Use Monthly Frameworks for Guidance, Avoid Swing-Trap Many get stuck in the 15-minute to 1-hour frames, constantly entering and exiting, only to realize: after a year of effort, they still lose compared to holding a main coin in a big trend. Overtrading is the silent killer of small accounts. I prioritize monthly trend signals (, for example trend crossover signals ), to filter out noise. Once a major trend is established, it’s not something a few “big players” can manipulate in the short term. Principle: don’t “catch falling knives” before a major trend is confirmed. Going against the trend means facing the entire market.
3. The 60-Day Moving Average Is the Line of Survival For me, the 60-day moving average is a “lifeline.” When the price stays above this line and volume begins to increase — that’s when I consider entering a position. I don’t aim to buy the bottom. Trading is based on probability and discipline, not luck. When the price approaches the dynamic support zone (60 days) and shows signs of money inflow, the favorable probability increases significantly. If it’s not yet in the zone, I wait. Opportunities in crypto are plentiful; what’s rare is patience.
4. Keep Positions Above the Line, Keep Cash Below My core rule is simple: Above 60 days: hold the position. Break below 60 days: exit the position. It sounds easy, but doing it is hard. When in profit, everyone thinks they are a genius. The challenge is when the price breaks support — do you have the decisiveness to leave the table? The market punishes hesitation: a moment of doubt can wipe out previous gains. Cut losses, don’t give up; it’s a way to preserve capital for the next round.
5. Take Partial Profits, Don’t Chase the Final Peak My profit-taking strategy: 30% profit: sell 1/3.50% profit: sell another 1/3. When doubled: close half of the remaining. Don’t try to sell the top. A daily fluctuation of 20–30% is common in crypto. Taking profits in parts helps lock in gains while leaving room for the next rally. When you start dreaming of x10, x100, the risk is very close. The market does not nurture greed.
6. Break the Lifeline, Clear the Table Immediately The most important capital preservation rule: if the price breaks the 60-day line — clear the table immediately. No waiting for a rebound, no hope, no bargaining with the market. If afterward the price truly rebounds and regains the 60-day line, it’s not too late to re-enter. Sacrificing some profits for certainty is a worthwhile trade. Crypto always offers opportunities — as long as you stay at the table. Conclusion: Crypto Is Not a Casino, It’s a Discipline Forge The six principles sound simple, but implementing them is the real challenge. They test character more than technique. In this game, 90% is discipline, 10% is method. The market is increasingly mature with institutional participation and clearer legal frameworks in many places. But the rule remains unchanged: money is not easier to earn, only harder to mismanage if you respect discipline. Surviving three years makes you a newcomer; five years makes you experienced; ten years makes you a master. I don’t dare call myself a master — just someone who knows how to protect himself. If these six principles help you avoid a few falls, that’s already success. In crypto, fewer mistakes are just as important as much higher profits.