I am a post-90s, have been working in Shanghai for some time.

I've been in the crypto space for 8 years. The first 4 years were basically a collection of cautionary tales—liquidations, zeroing out, falling for exit scams—every pitfall I could fall into, I did. Back then, I had 50,000 USDT, and it was gone in the blink of an eye. The most devastating moment was when I lost my emotional stability too, relying on alcohol to numb myself day by day. Ironically, because I was so desperate at that time, I accidentally avoided the disaster of 3.12—while some saw their fortunes wiped overnight, others took the opportunity to soar.

The absurdity of the market defies words.

Someone turned 2000 yuan into a fortune worth millions, becoming famous overnight; I didn't have that luck, so I could only refine my skills over time, through countless reviews and mental adjustments. Looking back now, my account has unknowingly surpassed eight figures.

Many attribute this to luck, but I understand my real situation: without a set of self-rescue trading rules, I wouldn't be here today.

Over the years, what has kept me alive are these "foolishly simple" survival principles:

**Rapid gains, slow declines? Mostly market manipulation.** A quick surge followed by a slow retreat is often just a facade; the true top usually comes after a volume spike followed by a sharp drop.

**Sharp declines, slow rises? Usually distribution.** Weak rebounds after a flash crash are not opportunities—they're the last trap to lure more buyers.

**High volume at a high level doesn't mean the end; lack of volume is the most dangerous.** As long as trading volume exists, bulls and bears are still fighting; when volume disappears, it's often the calm before the storm.

**Volume at the bottom also requires caution; it depends on whether it can be sustained.** A single volume spike might be a trap; only continuous steady volume signals a real beginning.

These are not learned from books; they are paid for with real money, with each liquidation costing me dearly.

The crypto market has never lacked people chasing highs, nor those dying trying to bottom-fish. Having strength isn't wrong, but if your direction is off, it becomes a suicidal charge. I've seen too many people like me back then, eager to recover their losses and turn things around, only to lose even more out of desperation. The market is always there, but it never waits for anyone. Whether you can hold on depends not on luck, but on your understanding of the rules and your mental discipline.

True growth isn't about running faster; it's about learning to light your own lamp in the darkest darkness.

If you're still bumping into walls in the market, take a moment to think. I hope this lamp can help illuminate your path forward.