After years of struggling in this cyclical market, I finally understand a principle—making money isn't about being overly aggressive, but about losing as little as possible. Those who have lasted the longest have all survived countless near-liquidation moments.

A friend's story left a deep impression on me. Four years ago, he knew nothing about the crypto world, with only $1,200 in his pocket. I persuaded him to enter the market through persistent effort. He missed the most lucrative wave of the market, but he stuck with the simplest methods for four years, and his account grew to $1 million. This isn't some genius move; rather, it's the most counterintuitive yet steady growth I've seen.

From these eight years of companionship and observation, I’ve summarized six core practical rules.

First, sharp rises and gentle declines are usually the market makers quietly accumulating. After a strong surge, a slow decline often indicates a shakeout—don’t be scared into selling. What does a truly dangerous top look like? A sudden massive spike followed by a rapid plunge, trapping the late buyers—this is the real danger.

Second, rapid declines and slow recoveries warn of market makers secretly exiting. A slow rebound after a flash crash may seem like a bargain, but it’s often the last blow. Don’t be fooled by thoughts like "it’s already fallen so much, what else can happen?" Sometimes, it can still fall further.

Third, high-volume at a top doesn’t necessarily mean the peak; in fact, low volume can be more dangerous. When prices are high, some trading volume still allows for further movement; but if trading suddenly dries up, a collapse may be imminent.

Fourth, don’t rush to buy at the bottom when volume increases; watch whether the volume can be sustained. One-off volume spikes are often bait to trap retail investors. The real accumulation opportunities are during days of oscillation with sustained volume.

Fifth, ultimately, trading is about human psychology, which is fully reflected in trading volume. Candlestick charts are just the surface; the key to understanding the market lies in volume: low volume indicates little interest, while high volume means funds are actively moving.

Sixth, "inaction" is the greatest wisdom. Don’t obsess over every opportunity; wait for genuine signals before making a decisive move, and control greed. Maintaining this calmness allows you to survive longer in the crypto space.

These six principles are not complicated; many people stumble because of frequent trading. My experience is that the most reliable approach is to not rush, treat every trade seriously, and avoid impatience and impulsiveness.