Cryptocurrency trading has never been about luck; those who truly survive treat trading as a serious job.

In the first few years of entering the market, I stayed up late watching charts, chased after rising prices, panicked during dips, experienced margin calls, insomnia, and emotional breakdowns. It wasn't until later that I realized: treating trading as a side hustle is essentially gambling. Only by approaching trading as a profession do you have the right to make money long-term.

Only after treating crypto trading like a job did my account gradually stabilize. I want to share 7 hard-earned lessons in hopes of helping others avoid detours.

**Lesson 1: Trading hours must be fixed**

I only trade in the evening. During the day, news floods in and it's easy to be swayed by emotions; at night, the market is more authentic, trends are clearer, and unnecessary traps naturally decrease. Trading must be approached like a job—never do it impulsively whenever you feel like it.

**Lesson 2: Lock in profits once achieved**

As soon as the target is reached, withdraw a portion of the gains. Too many accounts double, then lose everything in a correction. Remember: profits that haven't been withdrawn are illusions. Making money is a process; the only real principle is to take it out.

**Lesson 3: Only look at data, don't trust feelings**

Before entering a trade, focus solely on hard indicators like MACD, RSI, Bollinger Bands—at least two should align before you act. Combine on-chain data analysis; relying on feelings alone usually leads to poor results. The essence of trading is calmly analyzing numbers, not acting on emotions.

**Lesson 4: Stop-loss is a lifesaving line**

If you can hold your position, use dynamic stop-loss; if not, set rules in advance. The market won't wait for your hesitation; rules are what truly protect your account. Don't underestimate stop-loss—it can decide everything.

**Lesson 5: Withdrawal requires action**

With every profit, withdraw a portion proportionally. Transfer money to real life; this stabilizes your mindset and prevents you from being led by the numbers in your account. Take profits promptly—never wait for the market to reverse and wipe out your gains.

**Lesson 6: Don't randomly flip K-lines**

For short-term trading, focus on the 1-hour chart; for volatile markets, look at the 4-hour chart. Only trade lightly around key support levels. If a coin shows no clear pattern or structure, better to pass. If you don't understand it, don't touch it.

**Lesson 7: Remember these pitfalls and avoid stepping into them**

Don't use high leverage, avoid trading coins you don't understand, limit yourself to two trades per day, and never borrow money to trade. It's that simple.

**Final words**

Crypto trading isn't a gamble for life; it's a job that tests discipline, execution, and tools. Some people make money in the market not because of luck, but because they treat these rules as habits.