Someone asked me why I can stay in the crypto world for so long. I didn't say how much I've earned, but how long I've lived.

Last year, my cousin approached me. This guy has been doing import and export business in Shenzhen for nearly ten years. When the pandemic hit, orders stopped, warehouses were filled with unsellable goods, and old clients owed money with no sign of repayment. During a chat, I heard someone mention the crypto world, and I jumped right in without hesitation. Family members advised him not to bother, but he insisted, "This is about changing my fate." Hearing him say that, I could only smile wryly—seven years ago, I was in the same situation.

**Bitcoin is the true barometer**

In the crypto market, Bitcoin is always the anchor. When it rises, other coins have a chance to follow; once it falls, hardly anyone can stay unaffected. Ethereum sometimes moves independently, but don’t count on such low-probability events.

I've seen too many people hold onto the belief that "this coin is different," only to end up accepting losses in a bear market. The real market trend is often indicated by the most obvious signal.

The seesaw effect between USDP and Bitcoin is also quite interesting. When USDT shows a significant premium against the RMB, it indicates capital is seeking an exit; this is the time to stay alert. Conversely, when Bitcoin is skyrocketing, holding some USDT and waiting for opportunities is often smarter than chasing the high.

**Timing has its secrets**

From 0:00 to 1:00 AM, it's easy to get "whipsawed." I’ve developed the habit of placing low-price orders before bed, often catching the bottom. The real key is between 6:00 and 8:00 in the morning—if the market is still falling in the first half of the night, I consider adding to my position if it continues to dip during these two hours; if there's a rebound, I tend to reduce my holdings and take profits.

After 5:00 PM, European and American funds become active, and the market often undergoes new changes. Learning to read the time can sometimes be more useful than analyzing candlestick charts.