Entering contract trading, many beginners start by asking for the secret to making money. But the order of the problem itself is wrong.

What you should really think about is not how to make money, but how to survive. Stay alive first, then think about winning.

Taking a $1000 account as an example. Many people jump in thinking about going all-in, dreaming of doubling their money overnight. Actually, the opposite should be considered — view this $1000 as several lives, and only risk a small part each time, always keeping the rest. You're not trading to show off your skills; you're doing it to survive long-term in this market. The mindset difference is huge.

Losses are inevitable. The key is how to handle them after they happen. The most fatal mistake is to immediately add to your position. At that moment, you're no longer trading; you're fighting your emotions. The smartest approach is actually three steps: stop, review, rest. The market is always there, but once you get emotional, it's over.

Conversely, when making money, you need to be even more clear-headed. Take some profits out if possible, keep a safety cushion in your account, and your mental state will be completely different. If you reinvest all profits back into the market, it may look aggressive on the surface, but a sudden situation can wipe everything out. This kind of risk is simply not worth it.

Also, don't overly believe in win rate. Even if you win nine out of ten trades, poor position management and not strictly following stop-loss rules can wipe you out in one mistake. In the end, it's not about how accurate your judgment is, but whether you can stick to discipline. Set your stop-loss where it should be, reduce your position when needed, and put emotions aside.

Mainstream coins like BTC and ETH are highly volatile, and leveraged contracts carry even higher risks. There's one iron law I always stick to: don’t trade when your state is off. When you've just experienced consecutive losses, are anxious, or your life is chaotic, most of your trades are just venting frustration, not making decisions. Acting in such a state is almost certainly a major mistake.

If you're still in the early stages or often feel you tend to operate recklessly, the path is very clear: small positions to survive → prioritize stop-loss → take profits and withdraw. Trading isn't about who makes the most money in the short term, but who can go the long haul. The best way to avoid pitfalls and pay fewer tuition fees is to follow a rhythm and risk control mindset.