Is there still a chance for ordinary people to turn things around? This was a question asked by a recent graduate I knew last year.

I didn't tell him any stories about getting rich overnight, I only said one honest thing: if you want to go far, don't always think about flying.

Making money may seem mysterious, but it's actually just three things to understand—know the market, follow the rules, and don't let greed hijack your rationality. Over the years, the pitfalls I've encountered in the market have ultimately left me with three bottom lines.

**First, leverage.** It is a tool, not a life-saving straw. High multiples can inflate profits, but they can also wipe you out in an instant. I once got liquidated due to greed and leverage, and after that, I set a strict limit for myself—low leverage, small positions. The goal is not to make a huge profit in one shot but to survive long enough. As long as you're still in the game, how can you miss the next wave of market opportunities?

**Next, choosing the right coins.** In my early years, I was obsessed with small-cap coins, unwilling to sell when they rose, and unable to get out when they fell, losing everything thoroughly. Later, I realized that mainstream assets with good liquidity and strong consensus are the foundation. Most of my funds are invested here, with only a small portion used to test new things. When the base is stable, your mindset won't be chaotic.

**Finally, setting stop-losses.** This is the most overlooked rule. Before entering the market, ask yourself: can I accept the worst possible outcome? Once your mental stop-loss level is touched, just walk away—there's nothing to be ashamed of. The real killer isn't admitting you're wrong, but dragging it out and refusing to leave. Too many large losses stem from that feeling of "not willing to give up."

Turning things around is never something you can do with a reckless gamble. True confidence comes from repeatedly not being eliminated, from surviving long-term in this market. Those short-term glories? They don't really matter.