The rules are pinned on the wall, yet their execution always wavers.
Friends, today I want to share a heartfelt story about a trading experience that is hard to look back on. This is not a technical analysis article, but rather a self-reflection piece. If you have ever stared at candlestick charts in the dead of night, feeling both excited and terrified, confident yet doubtful, then this article might help you avoid years of detours.
In these years that I have been in the crypto market, the tuition I have paid is enough to buy a nice car. Once, I thought losses were due to lack of technical skills, so I studied various indicators and theories diligently; at another time, I thought losses were due to insufficient experience, so I spent day and night staring at charts and reviewing trades. Until one day I suddenly realized: my failures were not related to skills but to a state of being 'incomplete'.
1. How 'close enough' thinking empties your account.
Have you ever had an experience like this:
I have set rules, but I always feel that 'this time, an exception is okay.'
Seeing opportunities outside the system, I tell myself 'just this once.'
The plan clearly stated the stop-loss point, but when the moment came, I hesitated.
I used to be that 'close enough' person. On the surface, I had a complete trading system; in reality, I left myself a backdoor with every trade. The results are predictable: occasional lucky profits reinforced this erroneous behavior; while long-term losses were always attributed to 'bad luck.'
This 'incomplete' thinking pattern made my account's fund curve fluctuate like a roller coaster, but the direction was consistently downward.
2. How the 'exceptions' in trading gradually ruin you.
I remember very clearly that during the bull market in 2021, my trading system clearly indicated risks and that I should reduce my position. But looking at my friends sharing their profits, I told myself: 'Just this once, hold on for another day, maybe I can earn more.'
As a result, the market crashed the next day.
What's even scarier is that while I might feel guilty the first time I make an exception, by the tenth time it has become second nature. The trading system has changed from my 'Bible' to a 'reference suggestion.' Each time I break the rules, I can find seemingly reasonable excuses.
'This project's background is too strong, just this once.'
'Although it doesn't conform to the rules, insider information says it will rise.'
'Just participate lightly, it's fine.'
These 'small exceptions' accumulated over time ultimately led to the collapse of my trading discipline. This is also why I now insist that any advice must be based on reliable information.
3. What does true 'thoroughness' mean? Three changes in my practice.
The key to getting out of the low point is not what advanced techniques I've learned, but that I've done three simple things to perfection:
1. Extremely clear trading boundaries.
I now only trade three patterns that I fully understand, abandoning all others. This may sound limiting, but in reality, market opportunities are limitless, while your energy and funds are finite. Acknowledging this has actually granted me true freedom.
2. Rules are greater than emotions.
When the market fluctuates, I no longer ask myself, 'How do I feel?' but directly execute the rules. I write the trading rules on paper and keep them next to my computer. Emotions may fluctuate, but execution must not waver.
3. Give up the 'smart person' persona.
Once, I wanted to seize every opportunity to prove my intelligence to the world. Now, I would rather look a bit 'foolish' and only do things within my capability. In the crypto world, surviving longer is more important than making quick money.
4. How to start your journey of 'thoroughness'?
If you are tired of repeated losses, I suggest starting with the following small things:
Language should be simple, and logic should be clear. Write down the rules in a way you can understand, and do not deceive yourself.
Before trading every day, I ask myself one question: 'If this is my only trade today, would I still do it?' This question helps filter out many impulsive trades.
Keep a record of every trade. If you make money, know why; if you lose money, understand why. By persisting over the long term, you will discover your patterns of issues.
Remember, trading is not about being the smartest person, but about being the least susceptible to change. In the market, stability and consistency are far more important than occasional brilliance.
The final heartfelt words.
The crypto market is full of temptations and risks. I once paid a heavy price for being 'incomplete' and hope you can learn from my lessons.
A true trading master does not lack emotions, but can still adhere to their rules even when emotions fluctuate. They would rather miss opportunities than disrupt the system; rather wait with no positions than act rashly.
Today's market is still volatile, but I am no longer that passive trader. Because I know that discipline and thoroughness are the rarest qualities in this market.
I hope my experiences can inspire you. The road is long, but we are all on it. Follow Ake to learn more firsthand information and cryptocurrency knowledge, becoming your guide in the crypto world; learning is your greatest wealth!#加密市场观察 #巨鲸动向 $ETH
