The easiest phrase to be deceived by in the crypto world is "This time is different." I have seen too many people risking their entire net worth to jump in, hoping to tenfold their investment in three months, only to lose everything in ninety days. This is not a casino, nor a place where wealth is gained through risky ventures—this is a raw market of cognitive realization. Every dollar you earn is essentially a cash return on your understanding of market laws; conversely, every dollar you lose is tuition paid for your cognitive blind spots.

The frenzy of Trump-themed coins in 2024, with some projects soaring 15,000% in a single day, sounds like a fairy tale. But if you get caught up in the hype and chase the high, you are likely to become one of the bagholders. Opportunities in crypto are plentiful, but so are the pitfalls. Surviving is much more realistic than chasing quick profits.

**The First Iron Law of Survival: Position Management**

My approach is simple and brutal—divide your total funds into 5 parts, and invest only 1 part at a time. What are the benefits? When the market drops 10%, you can calmly add to your position; when it rises, sell half to lock in profits. It sounds easy, but in practice, it’s the greatest test of human nature.

Allocation also matters: mainstream coins (like Bitcoin and Ethereum) must account for over 50% of your portfolio—they are your ballast; small coins should not exceed 20%, don’t buy whatever is hot; also keep 10% cash on hand so you can buy the dip during black swan events.

I once made a fatal mistake—going all-in on a certain altcoin, and then a sudden event caused me to lose 80% in a day. That painful lesson taught me never to bet all your chips on a single project. I would never do that again.

**The Second Iron Law: Reject Leverage and Blind Following**

Leverage in contracts is a meat grinder for ordinary investors. Seeing others get rich with leverage makes you jealous, but it often ends in total loss. Opportunities in the market are endless; missing one is not a big deal, but losing everything is a real tragedy.

**The Third Iron Law: Learning Is More Important Than Watching Charts**

Spending an hour daily studying on-chain data, project whitepapers, and economic models is a hundred times more useful than staring at candlestick charts all day. Information from authoritative media is worth reading; those "inside tips" and "big V recommendations" in WeChat groups are mostly routines to harvest retail investors.

**How can small funds grow into a big snowball?**

Dollar-cost averaging combined with cyclical thinking is key. During bear markets, regularly buy Bitcoin and Ethereum in batches; when bullish signals become clear, sell in stages. It sounds like old advice, but few actually do it. Those who truly make money are often those who can be patient and are not swayed by market emotions.

The crypto world never lacks opportunities; what it lacks is people who stay alive until the next opportunity.