Having been involved in the cryptocurrency trading market for nearly eight years, the experiences I had in the first two years with futures are truly hard to recall. Back then, liquidations were as common as daily routines; as soon as I added funds and turned away for a moment to sip tea, my position was gone.

It was only later that I realized the market itself isn’t the problem—it's my impatience, excessive desire, and the constant illusion that I can see through the market trends. Although I wouldn’t say I have outstanding results now, at least I haven’t been liquidated in years. I’ve compiled some painful lessons in hopes of helping newcomers pay less expensive tuition fees.

**Many people get the concept of adding to a position wrong**

When caught in a position, they deceive themselves—"Add a bit more, and it will rebound." Wake up. The purpose of adding to a position has always been to stop the bleeding. If your mind is thinking about doubling your profits when adding, you’re basically jumping into the next deep pit of liquidation. Once your mindset deteriorates, your decision-making goes completely awry.

**You need to see the true face of the market clearly**

The calmer the market seems, the more you need to stay alert. When the candlestick chart stays still, it’s usually brewing a major change. Especially after a rally, a triangular, frustrating pattern appears—don’t comfort yourself by thinking it’s a sign of strength. In reality, the market is setting a trap for you. The industry’s saying "a rise must fall back" is not nonsense; it’s the truth. The fundamental trading philosophy is simple: build positions when trading volume is sparse, and sell when there’s a crowd. When no one dares to place orders in your social circle, opportunities are often hidden; conversely, when everyone is posting profit screenshots, it’s time to think about how to exit.

**Position size determines life or death**

Full position trading in the crypto world is basically cutting off your escape route. The market is constantly changing, and traders need to leave themselves some buffer space. Without room for error, a single misjudgment can be fatal.

**The last point is the most important**

The core of competition in the crypto space isn’t some advanced technology but a test of human nature. Greed prompts chasing gains, fear leads to panic selling—tossing back and forth like this gradually erodes your account. Those who truly survive in this market usually share one trait: they stay calm when making profits, remain composed during losses, and always move forward with steady steps.

These lessons, bought at a bloody price, may sound uncomfortable, but they can truly save your life.