Today, let's not talk about the myth of wealth, but rather discuss a profound question: why does this 'life-and-death' arena continue to attract countless people to rush in?
1. The night that made me understand the truth
In November 2022, the shadow of the FTX collapse loomed over the entire industry. In my community, someone posted a screenshot of a seven-digit loss, and after a long silence, wrote: 'This is my third time hitting zero, but I will come back.'
In that moment, I suddenly understood: people flood into this market not only chasing money, but also pursuing possibilities that are hard to obtain in the traditional world.
BTC rose against the backdrop of massive liquidation pressure, AI tokens had daily gains exceeding a year’s returns of traditional stocks, and new public chains still received billions in funding during the bear market… These stories weave into a huge net that catches all those who yearn to break the status quo.
But the other side of the truth is: Behind every dazzling story, there are ten silent tombstones.
Two, the dual faces of the current market: opportunities and traps coexist
The opportunity's side:
I see institutional funds returning in a new posture—not tentative allocations, but strategic layouts. The news of MARA increasing its BTC holdings is not an isolated case, but the tip of the iceberg. The integration of AI and DeFi is giving rise to real innovations, and those teams that continue to build during the bear market are starting to reap the rewards.
The trap's side:
At the same time, I also see that over 70% of new projects still only have white papers, and over 90% of 'hundred-fold coins' go to zero within six months. The alarm of leverage liquidation rings every week, and behind each alarm is a family's savings turning to nothing.
The reality in my eyes is:
This market is moving from 'wilderness' to 'civilized society', but the pain of transition is still ongoing. Smart money is laying out the future, while the greedy are still chasing yesterday.
Three principles for beginners' survival: walk the tightrope between opportunity and risk
Principle one: Use the 'sleep test' to determine the investment amount
I have seen too many tragedies: teachers mortgaging their homes, retirees using their pensions, young people borrowing to trade.
My advice is simple: The money you invest in this market should be an amount that you can sleep well at night even if it goes to zero.
Specific operations:
Calculate your monthly income;
Invest no more than three months' income;
Lock this money for three years without using it.
If this amount of money makes you anxious, then halve it again.
Principle two: Establish your 'project filter'
I evaluate projects using the 3T framework:
Technology: Is GitHub active? Is the code original? Are there real users?
Tokenomics: Is the release curve reasonable? Is the team's share locked? Is there an inflation risk?
Team: Is the background real? Are there successful projects in the past? Is there excessive marketing?
Any item that does not meet the standard should be immediately excluded.
Principle three: Leverage is poison, not a tool
I have saved hundreds of liquidation screenshots, of which 90% share the commonality of using more than 5 times leverage.
My iron rule:
Spot trading, never use leverage;
If leverage must be used, do not exceed 2 times;
Set hard stop losses, with a single loss not exceeding 2% of the principal.
Remember: The market rewards patience but punishes greed.
Four, calm observation of the current track
Bitcoin: The safe haven of institutions
When traditional markets are volatile, BTC is becoming a new safe haven asset. But that does not mean it only goes up and not down—institutional participation makes the volatility more intense, but the direction more certain.
Strategy: Focus on regular investments, with occasional trading, never go empty-handed.
AI sector: The gap between imagination and reality
The surge of TAO has shown everyone the imaginative space of AI + blockchain. But I want to remind you: Currently, 99% of AI projects may have less 'AI' content than your smartphone.
Strategy: Participate in leading projects with small positions and wait for practical applications with large positions.
DeFi: The resilience of old trees with new flowers
After several rounds of bull and bear markets, DeFi is moving from 'financial Lego' to 'financial infrastructure'. Those projects that survived are beginning to generate real income.
Strategy: Focus on 'three have' projects with cash flow, users, and innovation.
Platform tokens: A barometer of the ecosystem
The new high of BNB is not accidental, but a necessary outcome of ecological development. The value of platform tokens ultimately depends on the prosperity of their ecosystem.
Strategy: Hold leading platform tokens for the long term and share the dividends of ecological development.
Five, entry suggestions for different groups
If you are a complete novice:
Use 1000 yuan to buy Bitcoin and hold for three months;
During this period, do not trade, just learn;
After three months, ask yourself: Do I understand this market? Can I bear the volatility?
If the answer is negative, please leave.
If you have stock investment experience:
Forget about PE, PB, DCF and these valuation methods;
Relearn on-chain data, tokenomics, community governance;
Start with Bitcoin and Ethereum, and gradually expand to other areas.
This market has similar logic, but more different rules.
If you have already experienced losses:
Stop all trading for a week;
Conduct a detailed review of the reasons for each loss;
Establish strict trading discipline and write it down;
Practice with a simulated account for a month before considering returning.
Sometimes, leaving is for a better return.
Six, final words from the heart
I know that many people come to this market out of dissatisfaction with the status quo and a desire for change.
But I want to tell you: The crypto world is not a utopia to escape reality, but a battlefield that requires more wisdom and patience.
That friend who chose to return after going to zero three times finally achieved stable profits last year.
He told me: 'It took me five years to understand that this market rewards not intelligence, but discipline; not courage, but patience.'
Now, I still pay attention to the market every day, but my mindset is completely different.
The young person who longed for overnight wealth has become a middle-aged person who believes in slowly becoming rich.
The cruel truth of this market is: it gives everyone an opportunity, but only a few succeed.
And the gap between success and failure is not luck, but cognition, discipline, and human nature.
If you are also looking for your own path in this market, feel free to follow.
I will continue to share:
How to identify real opportunities and bubbles
Survival strategies in different market cycles
And, how to maintain independent thinking in this noisy world
There are no wealth passwords here, only an honest exploration of the essence of the market.
After all, on this little-trodden road—clarity is the most precious quality.
Follow me @链上标哥 so you won't get lost! Stay rational and move forward steadily. 🌄
