When it comes to trading contracts, to put it simply, the goal is to earn steadily over time—don’t expect to get rich overnight. Today, I want to share a few practical insights I’ve gained through years of hands-on experience.

**On Protecting Your Profits**

When your unrealized profit on paper exceeds 10%, that’s when you need to start paying close attention. If the price pulls back to your cost line? Don’t hesitate—sell. If you’ve made 20%, set yourself a rule: make sure to lock in at least 10% profit before exiting, unless you’re 100% certain the top is in. Otherwise, let it run a bit longer. If you’re up 30%, lock in at least 15% gains.

What’s the benefit of this approach? Even if you can’t pinpoint the market top, your profits will still compound over time. After all, none of us are fortune tellers—who can sell at the very peak every time?

**Never Be Slack With Stop-Losses**

If your position drops by 15% after opening (you can adjust this based on your own risk tolerance), admit defeat and cut your losses. It hurts to take a loss, but it’s better than getting trapped. If the price bounces back afterward, don’t regret it—it just means your entry timing was off, and the trade itself was a mistake. Learn from it and move on.

Always set your stop-loss before entering a trade—this isn’t advice, it’s a hard rule. Trading without a stop-loss is like crossing the street with your eyes closed.

**Knowing When to Buy Back Is Just as Important as Selling**

If the coin you sold drops and you still see potential, buy back the same amount at the original price. This way, your holdings remain the same, but you’ve secured some extra cash in your pocket. If the price doesn’t drop much after you sell, and then climbs back to your selling price, just buy back unconditionally.

Although this back-and-forth might rack up some extra transaction fees, it helps you avoid missing out. You can combine this strategy with your stop-loss: if the price returns to your original level, buy back; if it drops again, stop out. If you find a coin repeatedly bouncing around the same price range, it means your entry points are off—time to reassess your strategy.

**A Few Heartfelt Words to Wrap Up**

Short-term trading is all about discipline, not mindless action. Chasing hot trends is fine, but don’t rush around blindly like a headless chicken; taking profits isn’t cowardice, and sitting on the sidelines doesn’t mean you’re out of the game. As for timing your entries and exits, stop trying to always buy at the bottom and sell at the top—catching the juicy middle is already great.

In this industry, going it alone can easily lead you astray. Sometimes, following a reliable rhythm is much more efficient than fumbling around by yourself. Once the direction is clear, it’s up to you to keep up the pace.