Last Monday, a long-term losing trader came to complain to me. His account had shrunk to only 1,000 USD amid intense volatility. He’s not a novice at all, but rather a typical retail investor sufferer: trading purely based on emotions, frequently entering and exiting, always chasing highs and killing lows.

"If this keeps up, I might really have to quit the game," he said with a tone that sounded a bit desperate.

I poured cold water on him: "This 1,000 USD isn’t gambling money to turn things around, but an opportunity for you to pay tuition and rebuild your trading system."

There’s a curse circulating in the market: turning things around depends on a big gamble. Actually, it’s the other way around. The fastest route often looks the slowest. Using a "clumsy method" to steadily grow small funds is a more realistic approach.

**The first key: Learn to stay put**

This may sound counterintuitive, but my first advice to him was: stop trading so frequently.

When the market is unclear, holding no position is actually the best strategy. Don’t chase highs or bottom-fish; first, cure your compulsive trading. Opportunities are never lacking in the market; what’s scarce is the patience to wait.

Now, 2026 market conditions have completely changed. With big funds dominating, the market is more calm. The era of retail traders recklessly chasing rallies and selling dips is long gone. If you still use old methods, you’ll only get harvested.

**The second key: Position management determines life or death**

I insisted he do this: limit each trade to no more than 40% of his total funds, in other words, a maximum of 400 USD. That way, even if he loses two trades in a row, he still has ammunition left.

More importantly, every trade must have a strict stop-loss. If he loses 10% of his principal, he must exit—no luck-based thinking. Many people die here—always thinking "just a little more, it might come back," but instead, they sink deeper.

I asked him one question: Do you want to turn things around with one trade, or do you want to survive long enough?

**The third key: Mentality adjustment is more important than technique**

Finally, this is the ultimate killer. Most losses aren’t because of poor coin selection, but because of a rotten mindset. When the market goes up, they rush in; when it drops, they run away—always led by market sentiment.

Those who truly make money share a common trait—they can say no to temptation. When the market rises tenfold, they resist chasing; when it drops 50%, they stay calm and don’t cut. This isn’t some advanced skill; it’s pure discipline.

And how do you develop this discipline? Not through awareness alone, but through repeated validation on small accounts. Every time you stick to stop-loss, every time you resist temptation, you’re strengthening your trading muscles. 1,000 USD may be small, but it’s more than enough to build good habits.

Finally, I asked him: "Do you want the thrill of quick recovery, or the confidence to truly survive in this market?" He didn’t answer, but his eyes changed—that was a decision made after facing reality.

The market won’t give you opportunities just because you’re anxious. But it will reward those who are calm and disciplined enough.