To make money in the crypto world, the key is to choose the right options—what not to do is often more important than what to do. Today’s methodology may seem clumsy, but it’s the real path for retail investors to turn the tables.

Let’s start with three bottom lines, lessons learned through real money:

**Don’t chase highs or sell lows** This is the path 90% of retail investors take. When prices surge, confidence soars, and they rush in, only to get locked at the top; when prices plummet, they panic and cut losses. Truly stable profit-makers do the opposite—when everyone is terrified and even exchanges hesitate to open, that’s the best opportunity. Mindset and timing often determine the outcome.

**Never go all-in on a single coin** Putting all your assets into one currency is no different from gambling. The smart approach is to always reserve 30% cash. Why? Because when the market drops, having spare funds allows you to act confidently and truly enjoy the thrill of “others panic, I deploy.”

**Full position is always wrong** Market opportunities always outweigh your capital. Trading with a full position is like being handcuffed—you see the opportunity but can’t act. Position management is not trivial; it’s the lifeline of top players.

Next, some practical short-term tips that require repeated validation:

**Consolidation periods are the most dangerous** Data shows that 80% of margin calls happen during sideways consolidation. Why? Because most people can’t sit still. Buying on high during sideways trading, or bottom-fishing during dips, often results in being harvested. Without clear confirmation of a trend reversal, your money is more valuable than acting.

**Counter-trend operation is the core logic** Don’t panic when a big bearish candle appears; it’s often a signal to position. Don’t be greedy when prices spike; taking profits promptly is smarter. Simply put: when others are fearful, I am greedy; when others are greedy, I am cautious.

**The severity of a crash determines the strength of the rebound** Slow declines usually lead to weak rebounds, while waterfall crashes can trigger violent recoveries. Next time you see a rapid sell-off, don’t rush to cut losses; instead, prepare thoroughly.

**Pyramid layout** This is a classic institutional tactic. When the price drops 10% in the bottom zone, add 10% to your position. This can push your average cost down significantly. The result is that your cost basis may be half of what you expected, which is the difference between smart capital and retail investors.