Caught an early entry on a low-cap altcoin at $25K market cap. Watched it run—hit $200K in unrealized gains at the peak. Then did nothing. Just held while it bled back down.

Was it poor timing on the exit? Lack of conviction when price surged? Maybe both. The thing is, watching six figures evaporate teaches you something different than reading trading guides. Greed and fear live in that space between peak euphoria and capitulation.

That profit never materialized. No celebrations, no lifestyle upgrades. Just another lesson about the gap between spotting opportunity and executing discipline when emotions are running hot.