Someone asked me, can an ordinary person make it in the crypto world? The most honest answer I can give is: yes, but only if you have patience.

My own story might be helpful for some people. I entered the scene at age 25, and now at 33, that’s a full 8 years. What have I experienced during these 8 years? The past two years, 2023 to 2024, have been a watershed moment in my life—seeing eight-figure balances in my account for the first time.

That feeling is hard to describe. I used to always walk with my head down, unable to straighten up. Now I can stand tall. People I used to ignore when we met now actively reach out to me. A meal costing two or three thousand yuan doesn’t even make me blink. I started carrying crypto-themed luggage and hats, and I can be recognized wherever I go.

Compared to elders in the factory or friends in e-commerce, my life is definitely more comfortable. No need to worry about supply chains, no contracts to fuss over, and no one to default on payments. Fewer worries, period.

But what is the foundation of all this?

Over the years, I’ve gradually figured out some patterns, so I might as well share them with everyone.

First, understand a simple fact: **Bitcoin is always the big brother**. If you want to survive in this circle, you must keep an eye on its movements. When it rises, altcoins have a chance to perform; when it falls, everything else tends to follow. Sometimes Ethereum will move independently, but don’t get your hopes up—altcoins rarely withstand the pressure of the overall market.

The second thing to remember is: **Bitcoin and USDT are like a seesaw**. I’ve used this analogy for a long time, and it’s proven reliable. When USDT starts to rise, be cautious because Bitcoin might be adjusting; conversely, if Bitcoin surges too fast, you should quickly stock up on USDT to lock in gains.

Next are some specific trading timeframes. I divide a day into several key periods:

**Midnight 0 to 1 AM**—this period is prone to “spikes,” or sudden price swings. My habit is to place orders before bed; often I can catch a quick profit.

**6 to 8 AM**—this is a crucial window that generally reflects the day’s trend. If the market dipped the night before, and it continues to fall during these two hours, just add to your positions—chances are it will rally later that day. Conversely, if it rose overnight and keeps rising in the morning, it’s time to run, as a correction is likely.

**5 PM**—an often overlooked but very important time. Due to time zone differences, US funds usually start entering at this time, making it prone to big swings. Keep a close eye.

As for the so-called “Black Friday,” I advise you not to be superstitious. I’ve seen Fridays where the market drops, Fridays where it rises, and many Fridays of sideways movement. It all depends on the news.

The most practical advice I can give is: **As long as it’s not an air coin, and there’s trading volume, don’t panic when it drops**. Wait three to five days or even a month; it will likely bounce back. When you have spare cash, buy in batches to lower your average cost—this speeds up your break-even point. If you don’t have extra funds, just hold on tight; it’s not a big problem.

The trade I’m most proud of was buying Dogecoin at $0.085. At that time, many people mocked this coin, but I held on stubbornly. Today, it’s multiplied over 20 times. It sounds exaggerated, but it’s just patience paying off.

**In the end, trading crypto is a battle of mindset and patience**. Mindset first, skills second—that’s the core conclusion I’ve come to after 8 years.

It’s indeed hard to move forward alone, but following the herd makes it much easier. The direction of the crypto market is clear; it’s up to you whether you have the resolve to follow it.