Longevity Is More Important Than Quick Gains: 9 Principles That Help Me Survive in the Crypto Market

The crypto market has never been a place for impatient people. No bull cycle lasts forever, but during the darkest times, there are always those who stay calm enough to keep going. I entered crypto in 2018. Like many newcomers, I once believed that just one big bet could change my life. I used to chase trends, jump into high leverage contracts, witness people getting rich overnight… only to disappear just as quickly. Years have passed, and I’ve realized a harsh truth: the fastest money makers are often not the ones who stay the longest. Conversely, those who go slow and manage risks well are the ones who remain standing after many cycles. Crypto is not a sprint, but a marathon. And survival is always more important than short-term profits. 👉 Below are 9 survival principles I had to pay real money to learn.

1. Invest Only with Idle Money – This Is the Final Limit The most common mistake I’ve seen: using living expenses, emergency savings, or even borrowed money to invest. When the market fluctuates, panic immediately sets in. Idle money is the amount that, if lost entirely, wouldn’t affect your life. My personal rule: only use up to 20% of your liquid cash flow for investing. Thanks to that, even in major crises, I stay calm.
2. Big Coins Are the Foundation, Altcoins Are Just Spices I was once attracted to countless altcoins promising “x10, x20” returns. But in reality, most altcoins cannot survive long-term, and some disappear completely after a few years. Currently, about 80% of my portfolio is in BTC and ETH – assets that have proven their ability to withstand many cycles. The rest is used to experiment with new projects, accepting high risks.
3. Position Management Is a Survival Skill My unbreakable rule: never go all-in. I divide my capital into three parts: Long-term position (Hold for the long haul)Flexible position (Trade in cycles)Cash When the market drops, I have funds to buy more. When the market rises, I already have positions ready to benefit. This approach helps me avoid being swept away by emotions during strong fluctuations.
4. Give Up the Dream of Getting Rich Overnight Crypto easily plants illusions of quick wealth in newcomers’ minds. This mindset causes many to leverage up, go big, and then blow up their accounts in just a few candles. Sustainable assets always take time. In crypto, slow but steady often goes much further.
5. Follow the Trend, Don’t Fight the Market When the market is favorable, let profits run. When it’s bad, prioritize defense. It sounds simple, but most do the opposite: Good market = trade constantly Bad market = hold and hope for a miracle Recognizing major trends and acting accordingly is the key to survival.
6. Respect Leverage – It Amplifies Human Nature I once used very high leverage. I made an amount equal to several months’ salary overnight, but also lost most of my account in just a few mistakes. Leverage doesn’t generate stable profits; it only magnifies greed and fear. Now, I almost never use leverage. If I do, it’s very minimal.
7. Dare to Stay Out of the Market You don’t always need to trade. In crypto, not losing money is a form of profit. When the trend is unclear, staying on the sidelines preserves your capital and mental state. True opportunities are always there for those who are patient.
8. Focus on Important Information, Filter Out Noise Crypto information is abundant, but real value revolves around a few key factors: Regulations and policiesLarge capital flowsOrganizational activities Rumors, buy/sell calls, and chat groups mostly cause noise. I limit my daily market monitoring time, which helps me make more rational decisions.
9. Psychology Decides Everything No single trade determines your entire life. But a rash decision can wipe out your entire account. Before each action, I always ask myself: “Am I deciding with reason or emotion?” This question has saved me many times. Conclusion Over the years, I’ve seen many very smart people leave the market in disappointment. Their problem isn’t knowledge, but discipline and systems. Crypto is like a deep ocean: full of treasures, but also full of risks. If you don’t know how to swim, don’t rush into the water. The best people aren’t those who boast the highest short-term profits, but those who are still here after many years, with steady growth. If you’re new or struggling to survive, my advice is: survive first, grow later. These nine principles won’t make you rich quickly, but they’re very likely to help you stay long enough to win. Let’s progress together.