Attention all newcomers to the crypto world, today I want to share some insights on short-term trading. When I first got into this, I was eager to place orders as soon as I saw the K-line move, thinking I couldn't miss any opportunity, but I kept stepping into pitfalls. Looking back now, many mistakes could have been completely avoided; the key is to develop correct trading habits.

**1. Keeping up with the market rhythm is crucial**

Short-term trading requires constantly monitoring small timeframes—1-minute, 5-minute, 15-minute charts are very important. But there's a trap here: it's not about trading frequently just because you see these charts, but about learning to read the market's rhythm. Be decisive when volatility is high, and stay calm when the market is steady. Many people fail because they lack a sense of rhythm, not understanding whether the market is accumulating energy or showing signs of fatigue.

**2. Don't overcomplicate with indicators**

I've seen people clutter their charts with over 20 indicators, resulting in conflicting signals and confusion. In reality, the most effective tools are just a few—candlestick patterns, moving averages, and volume. Mastering these basic tools is far more useful than a chaotic mix of indicators. Less interference means higher precision, especially in the fast-paced environment of short-term trading.

**3. Quantify profit targets and stop-losses**

For short-term trades, I usually set profit targets between $3 and $8. This allows capturing major fluctuations without greed. Stop-loss should be stricter—if you lose $1 to $3, get out immediately; don’t wait. It may seem small, but in the long run, a good risk-reward ratio is key to overall profitability. Many people fail because they can't bear to stop-loss, turning short-term trades into medium-term ones, and ending up with heavy losses.

**4. Choosing the right trading times is very important**

Not every time is suitable for short-term trading. The London open period is particularly volatile and full of opportunities. If you try to trade during calm periods, you're going against the market. Understanding the characteristics of different trading sessions and selectively acting will greatly improve efficiency.

**5. Avoid certain pitfalls**

Avoid trading around major news releases like Non-Farm Payrolls or CPI data within 5 minutes before and after—they cause spreads to widen and increase slippage risk. Also, pay attention to the overall trend on the 1-hour chart; even in short-term trading, you shouldn’t go against the big trend. Limit your daily trades to no more than 5; keep 80% of your time in flat positions, waiting for confirmed signals. Many people lose money because they trade too frequently, like gamblers who can't stop.

**Actual success rate and execution plan**

Honestly, the success rate for short-term trading generally ranges from 55% to 65%, which is already good. The key isn’t just the win rate, but ensuring each trade has a reasonable risk-reward ratio. My advice is to first use demo accounts to thoroughly test and find your rhythm and patterns. Once your trading becomes stable, then switch to real accounts. Steady profits are the true goal—don’t expect to get rich overnight, as that will only accelerate losses.

A word for beginners: short-term trading may seem simple, but in reality, it tests your mindset more than long-term investing. You need discipline, patience, and a strong will to cut losses. Master these points, avoid detours, take it slow, and profits will naturally follow.