Many people enter the crypto world aiming for hundredfold returns, but actually, that's a misconception. Compared to getting rich overnight, surviving is the first lesson.

**The three most common pitfalls for beginners**

The first pitfall is called "Greed." Going all-in on altcoins or niche projects right away, only to encounter markets where you can buy but not sell, or projects that suddenly run away with the funds, leaving your principal wiped out instantly. I've seen this happen too many times.

The second pitfall is called "Impatience." Not understanding how to operate on the exchange interface, then blindly following the trend into futures and leverage. When liquidation hits, there's no time to react.

The third pitfall is called "Confusion." Not even understanding how to use USDT, rushing to transfer funds, only to get stuck on the chain, pay sky-high Gas fees, or even send to the wrong address. These are real cases.

**How beginners can avoid pitfalls**

First tip: Only invest with idle funds. Use an amount that won't affect your daily life if lost, and keep the investment ratio below 30% of your total assets. This way, your mindset remains stable.

Second tip: Focus your main positions on BTC and ETH. Bitcoin is digital gold, Ethereum is the infrastructure of the ecosystem. Their ups and downs have a bottom line. In contrast, altcoins are bets that either double or go to zero.

Third tip: Master USDT thoroughly. It’s the dollar cash of the crypto world. Before buying or selling any coin, convert fiat to USDT first. Once you understand the operation flow, then move on to other trades.

**Short-term trading may seem exciting, but it’s actually risky**

Some say short-term trading makes quick money and feels thrilling. Honestly, short-term trading is a game for experts. Beginners playing short-term are just asking for trouble. Why? The market fluctuates 24/7, and a sudden spike can wipe out your principal instantly.

I once watched a popular coin’s 15-minute chart. The moving averages broke perfectly, RSI showed oversold conditions—seemed like an ideal entry point. But within five minutes of entering, a big bearish candle hit and wiped out my stop-loss. By the time I reacted, the loss was already sealed.

Market volatility is hard to predict, especially for those lacking experience. Instead of risking a margin call with short-term trades, it’s better to use money you can afford to lose and plan for long-term holdings. The long-term logic of Bitcoin and Ethereum still holds; short-term fluctuations are just noise.

Investing is not gambling; surviving is winning.