A few hundred dollars of principal is most likely to become a market sacrificial lamb. But what you truly can't afford to lose isn't that small amount of money, but your confidence and subsequent opportunities.

I've seen too many people in the crypto world rush in quickly and fall even faster. When their accounts turn green, they start to doubt themselves, even dreaming of making a comeback with a heavy position. This mindset is the most dangerous and easiest to turn small losses into major disasters.

Last year, I helped a friend plan his trading approach. His account started with just 600 USDT. At first, he was trembling when placing orders—afraid that a careless move would wipe out his principal. But later? In one month, his account grew to 12,000, and in three months, it shot up to 38,000, all without ever hitting liquidation.

Some say this is luck. Not really. His success relied on strictly following trading discipline and gradually building his own methodology.

**First Trick: Divide your money into three parts and always keep a backup**

Treat your principal as three separate accounts. The first 200U is for day trading, only trading liquid assets like $BTC and $ETH, aiming for 3%-5% volatility before exiting. This part is quick money, focused on rhythm.

The second 200U is for swing trading. Don’t enter randomly; wait for clear signals before acting. Hold each position for 3 to 5 days. No rush, just patience. Large-cap coins like $SOL are especially suitable for swing strategies.

The remaining 200U stays untouched. No matter how extreme the market, don’t touch this money. This is the real capital that can turn things around.

Have you seen those who go all-in with thousands of USDT? When prices rise, they float to the sky; when they fall, they panic immediately. Such people can't last long because they leave no room for retreat. The market will always present opportunities, but only if you’re still alive.

**Second Trick: Follow the trend, don’t waste time in consolidation**

Most of the time, the market is sideways. Frequent trading just adds to exchange fees. Recognize signals clearly and stay put—that’s the greatest wisdom.

When the trend is confirmed, act decisively without hesitation. For potential coins like $RDNT, sometimes you need a complete breakout pattern before making a move.

When you gain 12%, take half of the profit off the table and lock in the gains. This way, even if the market reverses later, you’ve secured some profit. Let the remaining position run to aim for bigger gains.

The rhythm of expert trading is like this: wait patiently when needed, and react quickly when the opportunity arrives. I watch their account double, triple, and I never see them panic or chase highs recklessly—just steadily take profits. This mindset is the most valuable asset in a trading career.

**Third Trick: Everyone is equal before the rules; stick to your bottom line**

Stop-loss for each trade should never exceed 2% of the principal. At that point, even if it’s painful, you must exit decisively. This isn’t about giving up; it’s about surviving to fight another day.

When profits exceed 4%, cut half of your position immediately. Let the remaining half continue to run, locking in gains while maintaining the potential for further profits.

Never add to a losing position. At that point, emotions are no longer rational, and any additional investment could be a mistake. Emotions are the biggest enemy in trading, and you must be more aware of this than anyone.

You may not always predict the market perfectly, but you must always stick to your rules. Making money, in essence, depends on a complete method that keeps your impulsive heart in check.

Remember, having a small principal isn’t really scary. What’s scary is the impatient mindset—always thinking that a heavy position will instantly turn everything around. Such people see their accounts grow rapidly, but also blow up just as fast.

The crypto world is never short of stories of overnight riches or instant wipeouts. The difference lies in whether you follow the risk or control your hands.