Learning to Wait Is Even More Important Than Learning to Trade

In the crypto market, many people jump into learning indicators, price models, and “divine” strategies, but they overlook the most important skill: waiting the right way. Not a few accounts get wiped out not because of lack of knowledge, but due to impatience. This article is a true story about a mindset shift – from “betting to recover losses” to “trading for survival and sustainable growth.” Hopefully, after reading, you will see the market from a different perspective. From Desperation to Opportunity Last November, I received a private message from a follower. The tone was tired, discouraged. After nearly a year of unplanned trading, chaotic buying and selling, following all kinds of signals online, his account was left with only 20,000 USDT. He asked me a very honest question: “I don’t want to gamble, I just want to start over. Do I still have a chance?” The first answer I sent him was: “Don’t think about making money first, learn how not to lose first.” Six months later, his account grew to over 140,000 USDT. But more important than the number is: he no longer trades in a state of worry, stress, eyes glued to the chart every minute. Core Change: From “Recovering Losses” to “Trading with Meaning” The biggest mistake beginners make is wanting to recover losses as quickly as possible. When losing, they increase position size, break discipline, and trust emotions. The result is more and more wrong trades. The crypto market is not a game of chance. Profit or loss reflects your awareness and behavior. When most of the market chases prices, enters trades out of fear of missing out, the few – those with sustainable profits – are doing two things: Understanding the true nature behind price fluctuationsBuilding a discipline system that goes against human emotions The first rule we set is very simple but vital: Only use idle fundsEach trade no more than 5% of total capitalAlways keep reserve cash Full-capital traders have a much higher risk of account wipeout than those who diversify their positions. Three Important Growth Phases Phase 1: Do Less to Live Longer (3 weeks – from 20,000 to 40,000 USDT) He started reducing the number of trades, only entering when he truly understood why he was doing so. No chasing hot news, no buying just because others show off profits. A very important change: keeping a trading journal. Each trade recorded clearly: Reason for entryInitial expectationsActual results After some time, he realized most losing trades stemmed from following market psychology, not from incorrect analysis. Phase 2: Not Trading Is Also a Decision (No rush to enter trades – account grew to 90,000 USDT) He learned to stand aside without worry. Not every day needs a trade. Only waiting for “obvious to the point of no-brainer” opportunities. When opportunities appear, he increases position size – but not blindly. He relies on objective data such as: Inflow – outflow of funds from exchangesChanges in open positionsActivity levels of large wallets As a result, the probability of correct trades increases significantly, instead of relying solely on gut feeling. Phase 3: Establishing a Trading Rhythm (From 90,000 to over 140,000 USDT) After going through enough cycles, he began to understand that the market has its own rhythm: Euphoria is when caution is neededPessimism is when accumulation happens He no longer gets stuck in the loop: “Sell because I fear the price will rise – hold because I fear the price will fall” Because he has a plan for each market phase. My Perspective on “Trading Rhythm” Good traders are not those who enter the most trades, but those who know when not to do anything. Long-term market survivors often share: Losing without trading immediatelyReview trading history periodicallyAccepting that they cannot be right all the time Discipline greatly increases long-term survival rates. In crypto, survival itself is a victory. For Those Who Are at the Bottom If you are losing, remember: The market is not short of opportunities. What’s missing is the calmness to seize those opportunities. The sustainable investment formula is very clear: 50% psychology30% capital management20% technical skills Learn to control risk before dreaming of big profits. That follower once told me: “I was too impatient before. The more I wanted to recover, the deeper I sank.” Now, trading feels lighter, no longer a psychological burden. And that is the right state. Conclusion Crypto is not a path to rush forward alone. But what can save you is never the buy/sell signals from others. What saves you is: Your own systemYour own disciplineYour own patience Don’t gamble recklessly into the market. Stand firm, wait for the right moment, then act decisively. Keep the rhythm – preserve capital – maintain discipline. Your account will grow the right way.