Two months' time, the funds grew from 2,500 USDT to 480,000. Looking back at this experience, the most valuable takeaway isn't luck, nor the exciting stories of staying up late chasing trends or playing with high leverage, but three seemingly "silly" yet highly effective trading principles.

**First Principle: Stick to the Mainstream, Avoid Temptation**

The easiest trap in a sideways market is never about the lack of gains, but those small coins that claim "imminent takeoff" every day. No matter how attractive their promises of quick riches, the risk skyrockets at the same time.

Instead of chasing slim chances of doubling your investment, focus your energy on assets with the most liquidity and resilience. These coins may not surge dramatically, but their stability can compensate for that—less fantasy, more probability calculation, naturally avoiding most traps.

**Second Principle: Give Up Chasing, Enter Only on Pullbacks**

When the market enters a sideways phase, many traders start to get restless: a volume spike on a candle pushes the price up, and they follow immediately; when the price slightly retraces, they begin to regret. This rhythm of chasing highs and selling lows often results in the biggest losses.

A smarter approach is the opposite: rather than risking missing an upward move, avoid entering before the structure is complete. Wait until technical confirmation of a pullback support before establishing a position. Missing out isn't fatal, but a wrong entry can cost you dearly—this trade-off is clear and straightforward.

**Third Principle: Leave an Exit for Every Trade**

This is the most overlooked yet crucial point. Before placing an order, I only ask myself one question: if this trade results in a loss, can I accept it? Can I pretend it never happened?

If the answer is yes, then proceed. If there's even a hint of hesitation, abandon the opportunity—even if it looks tempting. Position management isn't about maximizing profits but ensuring that even if your judgment is wrong, you won't be hurt at the core. This "blunt knife" is specifically used to cut away emotions and greed.

**Why Sideways Markets Are the Best Time to Strategize**

Many people equate sideways markets with no opportunities, but from another perspective, this is precisely the phase that tests patience and filters out opponents. In such market conditions, traders who survive automatically pass a round of screening—those rushing for quick gains, trading on emotion, or frequently leveraging are long gone.

Those who adhere to these three principles can instead accumulate advantages during the grind of sideways movement, preparing well for the next phase. This isn't some profound trading secret; it's simply choosing the most prudent way to operate in the market's real dynamics.