Are you still losing money after three years of trading? This summary from over a decade of trading experience might help you clarify your thinking.

**The Wisdom of Capital and Timing**

Small retail investors with limited funds should focus on one major upward wave per year rather than frequent trading. Going all-in every day and holding stubbornly is not a strategy for making big money; greed often leads to losses. Major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum usually have only one or two key moments to start a trend. Capturing these moments is crucial.

**Cognitive Boundaries and Practical Experience**

You will never earn more than your level of understanding. In the beginning, practice thoroughly on a demo account to refine your mindset and execution skills. The advantage of a demo account is zero risk for trial and error, whereas a mistake in real trading could mean permanent elimination. Wait until your mindset stabilizes before re-entering the market. This is not conservatism but respect for the market.

**Profit Realization and Risk Avoidance**

Did you hold on during major positive news without selling? If the price opens higher the next day, sell decisively. History repeatedly shows that profit-taking often signals the start of a reversal. Be especially cautious one week before major holidays; data indicates that gains during holidays tend to be weak. Reducing or completely clearing your position in advance can effectively avoid being caught in a downturn.

**Positioning Strategy and Swing Trading**

The essence of medium- to long-term trading is: keep enough cash reserves, sell at highs, buy back at lows, and use rolling operations to balance gains. This way, you can participate in the market without missing better entry points due to full positions. Short-term trading requires close attention to volume and candlestick patterns, focusing only on active coins. Cold coins that no one cares about long-term are not worth wasting time on.

**Market Rhythm and Patterns**

When the decline slows down, the rebound also tends to be slow; when the decline accelerates, rebounds are often quick and fierce—this symmetry is repeatedly confirmed in Bitcoin and other mainstream coins. Adjust your strategy according to this pattern. Going against the trend will only increase the risk of losses.

**Stop-Loss Bottom Line**

Don’t hold on stubbornly if you buy at the wrong time. Timely stop-loss is the only way to survive long-term. Protecting your principal means preserving the opportunity to turn things around. This is not giving up but a fundamental rule of risk management.

**Application of Technical Analysis**

For short-term trading, focus on 15-minute candlesticks combined with KDJ indicators to find precise buy and sell points. This combination can significantly reduce trial-and-error costs. However, the skill is not in many methods; mastering 1-2 techniques is enough. Over-diversification can lead to confusion among various indicators.

Overall, the crypto market is not short of opportunities; what’s lacking is patience and execution.