What does the crypto world really compete on? Some say it's luck, others say it's skill. My answer is: both are important, but more crucial is the mindset.

Mastering a skill requires time and accumulation. According to the '10,000-hour rule,' working 8 hours a day and trading over 200 days a year, it takes about 5 years to grasp the basics. But even with solid skills, avoiding pitfalls within a 10-year cycle is still challenging. My straightforward advice—during the first 10 years, don't risk more than you can afford to lose.

Many traders whose net worth skyrocketed from tens of thousands to millions or even billions in the crypto space achieved this through high leverage in futures contracts. But the flip side is, many also got liquidated in a single market cycle. People are most prone to lose control in big trends, which is why mindset is just as valuable as technical skill.

How to achieve financial freedom within 10 years in the crypto market? I’ve summarized 5 ironclad rules—lessons learned through real money and experience.

**Rule 1: Market fluctuations are unpredictable; mindset is the anchor**

Don’t shout about a top when prices are rising, and don’t rush to buy the dip when prices fall. Will Bitcoin reach 150,000? No one can say for sure; only when the market is completely crazy can it be confirmed. The bottom you think you see is often just a pause; the real bottom is never as clear as you imagine.

**Rule 2: Build positions gradually, always keep some reserve**

True experts never seek quick wins. Every trade should be strictly limited to 1% of your total account balance. The benefits are obvious—more room for error, smaller individual losses, and overall risk is more manageable. Mainstream coins like $BNB also follow this principle.

**Rule 3: Dare to chase highs to seize big opportunities**

Many newcomers in crypto fear chasing the top. But the cost structure of major players is far more complex than you think—investments in promotion, chips, development can be several times or even dozens of times higher. Those who dare to chase at critical moments are more likely to catch life-changing opportunities.

**Rule 4: Bull markets are the only ticket to a turnaround**

Bull markets are like a restart button for wealth. Look at Buffett—smart as he is, if he misses a bull cycle, all he can do is wait through the bear market. So catching a bull market is equivalent to holding the key to wealth.

**Rule 5: Confidence is not arrogance, but conviction**

Top traders share a common trait—they are confident in their judgment. Even after big losses, they never get knocked down. They believe they will ultimately beat the market, and this belief itself is their greatest advantage.

In summary, the crypto world values skill, strategy, and mindset. Luck is only surface-level; the real foundation of steady profits is the repeated practice of these ironclad rules. Keep these 5 rules in mind, and you’ll have a better chance to survive longer and thrive in the turbulent crypto market.