2025-12-25 09:21:09

A set of data during Christmas really illustrates the issue. The top three largest ETH holders are collectively at a nearly $80 million unrealized loss, yet a seasoned trader focused on short positions has made $83 million in profit over two months. It seems like bulls and bears are fiercely battling, but in reality, this reflects two completely different worlds.

The losses of those whales are often the cost of their established large-scale strategies. The scale of their game inherently includes time costs and volatility wear and tear. Conversely, those who profit do so through strict discipline—understanding their advantages, knowing when to act, and when to stay silent. They are not betting on being bullish or bearish; they are executing their own rules.

What about retail traders? Often, it’s a different picture. When longs get liquidated, they cut losses; when shorts surge, they chase in. Every sharp market fluctuation can shatter emotions, ultimately turning retail traders into the market’s "ATM." Frankly, the problem isn’t whether your stance is right or wrong, but that you don’t have your own team or discipline to follow.

The market is never as simple as "go long and win, go short and win." What it truly rewards is: clear self-awareness, strict risk control, and psychological resilience aligned with one’s strategy. When you see such extreme polarization, instead of trying to precisely predict the next wave, ask yourself—do you really understand what you’re doing?

Recognizing your ordinariness is more valuable than blindly pursuing precise predictions. To survive long-term in the crypto space, it’s all about depth of understanding and patience. Shortcuts and luck can never save you.

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YieldChaser

· 7h ago

Wake up, most people are just ATMs --- Now we're getting to the point, discipline can really save lives --- I just want to ask, how many retail investors can have their own "rules"... --- 83 million vs 80 million loss, what does this gap indicate, luck or strategy? --- Deep cognition sounds very hardcore, but what exactly counts as true cognition? --- Don't lie to me, 99% of retail investors simply don't have this resolve --- Patience in waiting, easy to say, but a market move can break that discipline in a flash

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ShibaMillionairen't

· 7h ago

Wow, 80 million floating loss vs. 83 million profit, the gap is really incredible. The issue isn't long or short, it's that you have no discipline at all. Retail investors are just the market's ATM machines, really.

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DegenWhisperer

· 7h ago

Basically, it's the difference between being disciplined and undisciplined. Retail investors get beaten up by the market every day, and they deserve it.

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pumpamentalist

· 7h ago

Discipline is easy to talk about but hard to practice. --- It's the same old story of "knowing yourself," but who can hold up at critical moments? --- 83 million vs 80 million, the difference isn't luck but brains. --- Retail investors are like this—a living ATM for chasing highs and selling lows, none can escape. --- In the end, it's all about execution. Those with a plan always win over those without one. --- Being bullish or bearish doesn't matter; what's important is whether you have your own set of strategies. --- That's why I never chase hot trends; I follow my own rhythm. --- It sounds reasonable, but most people forget after reading, and still end up losing as usual. --- Clear self-awareness... how many retail investors have truly developed this? --- Instead of predicting the market, ask yourself if you'll actually follow through. That hit home.

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BearMarketSurvivor

· 7h ago

80 million versus 83 million, at the end of the day, it's a supply line issue. Large investors lose time costs, small investors lose discipline. --- Whales play the long-term game, while retail investors are playing emotional roulette. The difference is so big. --- Without your own trading rules, in the crypto world, you're just waiting to be eaten. This is a harsh truth but it's real. --- Looking at this set of data, I am reminded of lessons from two years ago... Discipline is something you have to invest real money to learn. --- The issue isn't whether you're right or wrong, but whether you can withstand the mental breakdown in the next second. Most people can't do it. --- Loss control always ranks first, making money comes second. Anything reversed won't last long.

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GasFeeNightmare

· 7h ago

Discipline is easy to talk about, but few can truly stick to it. I've seen many people develop a strategy, only to be wiped out by a sudden rebound. The tragedy of retail investors lies here: they have no personal execution system, relying solely on fleeting emotions and luck. Those guys who made 83 million are either smarter or more ruthless—they are tough on themselves and tough on risks. As for self-awareness, I have to admit that I am still exploring. Anyway, every time I think I can precisely bottom fish this time, I end up getting slapped in the face. Instead of guessing the next move, it's better to first understand your own capabilities.

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