Still have less than $1,000 in principal? Don't scare yourself before you even start. The crypto world indeed carries high risks, but that doesn't mean small amounts have no chance; it means you need to be more methodical.

I've seen a trader start with $800. At that time, he was so nervous he was about to die, afraid that one wrong move would wipe him out. I shared a strategy with him—follow the rules, and even small capital can grow. A month later, his account reached $12,000; in three months, it hit $500,000, all without ever liquidating his position.

Some say it's luck, but I know very well that luck is only surface level. The real factors are these three strict rules below.

**First: Divide your funds into three parts, never go all in**

Split $800 like this:
- $300 for short-term trading, only focus on mainstream coins, exit after earning 3% to 5%
- $300 for swing trading, hold for a few days, aiming for steady growth
- The remaining $200 just sit there—don’t touch it—this is your lifeline

I've seen too many people bet their entire wealth in one shot. When they make money, they get cocky; when they lose, their mentality collapses. Those who survive know how to leave themselves an escape route.

**Second: Only trade when there's a clear trend; sleep during sideways markets**

Most of the time, the market just oscillates. During these times, reckless trading is like giving free money to the exchange. Wait patiently for clear opportunities; when they come, act decisively.

Another detail: once profits reach 12%, take out half and put it in your pocket. Real profits are only counted when you actually have them.

The person I mentored succeeded because he could stay calm—don’t chase or greed, wait for the right moment, and know when to take profits or cut losses.

**Third: Use discipline to replace emotions**

- No single loss should exceed 2% of your principal; cut at the stop-loss level—don’t gamble
- When profits reach 4%, immediately halve your position; let the rest run
- Never add to a losing position; don’t try to average down to turn things around—that’s usually a trap

You won’t win every trade, but you can make the right decision every time. The secret to making money, frankly, is using discipline to control that restless heart.

The biggest enemy of small capital is the desire to get rich quick. Growing from $800 to $800,000 is not about luck; it’s about rules and patience.

The crypto path isn’t short, and walking alone makes it easy to go astray. Follow someone who knows the way, use the right methods, and you can walk steadily. The direction is clear; whether you can keep up depends on you.