Many people believe that making money through investing depends on correctly judging the trend. In fact, the underlying logic can be summarized in one sentence: humans are naturally drawn to comfort, and the market specifically harvests this comfort.

Here's a simple example. Suppose you believe that Bitcoin🪙$BTC will reach $200,000 by 2029. Currently, it's over $60,000. In three or four years, it could double or triple, and the numbers add up clearly. But the real issue isn't the math; it's whether you can withstand the process. If it drops to $40,000, $30,000, or even halves, can you still stay as firm as you initially said? Most people can't. It's not a lack of understanding; it's human nature that can't get past it.

During a bear market, everyone is afraid. Afraid it will keep falling, afraid they bought too early, afraid they won't catch the bottom. They say they are long-term optimistic, but when prices really drop, their hands tremble. When the market starts rising again, news begins to hype, and social circles start sharing gains, they dare to buy then. This isn't because they understand the trend; it's because their fear has disappeared and greed has taken over. The result is often buying at the most emotional high point.

There are also people who, when prices fall, are afraid but have thought it through in advance: they buy and then hold, not expecting to get rich quickly, nor fantasizing about catching the bottom. They know it will be uncomfortable, but they buy in stages. This action is inherently against human nature—taking action when it's most uncomfortable. Often, the real profit-makers are those willing to endure uncertainty during downturns.

But note, buying at a low point doesn't necessarily mean you're right. There are also people who rush in during declines, shouting "bottom fishing," even leverage up, sell their houses and cars, and go all-in. They seem brave, but inside, they are greedy—thinking it's cheap, believing they are smarter than others, or that this is a chance to get rich. They’re not just taking risks; they’re gambling for huge profits. When the market fluctuates slightly, they run faster than anyone else. In the end, they often exit emotionally.

The same applies to a bull market. When prices are rising, most people feel great, their accounts hit new highs every day, and they feel invincible. So they add positions, leverage up, chase hot stocks. The more they earn, the more excited they become; the more excited, the more aggressive. Eventually, a pullback wipes out profits or even the principal. Because they are following their desires—when it’s exciting, they buy more aggressively.

Those who truly survive a bull market are actually those who become more cautious as prices rise. When they see the market going up, they don’t get excited—they get nervous. They understand that the higher it goes, the greater the risk. When others are greedy, they start controlling their positions, even gradually taking profits. They don’t chase the last leg up. This behavior is also against human nature—cooling down when the market is hottest.

For example, those who invest regularly. When the market falls, they feel uncomfortable; when it rises, they feel uncomfortable too—because their holdings become more expensive. They’re not trying to top-tick or escape at the peak; they just follow their routine mechanically. To outsiders, it looks calm, but every step is a battle against emotion.

Ultimately, how does the market share money in the long run? It transfers “comfortable money” to “people who are uncomfortable.” If your trading feels especially good, you’re probably just following your emotions. If it’s frustrating and tough but you’ve thought it through in advance, then you’re closer to the right side.

Many people get obsessed with technical indicators and trading models. But these are just tools. The real core is: do you know when your actions are driven by fear and when by greed? What are you afraid of? Drawdowns? Missing out? What are you greedy for? Huge profits? Others’ gains you don’t have?

Only when you start to distinguish that “the current profit” might be a future trap, and “the current harm” could be long-term gains, are you truly entering the market. Otherwise, a very ironic situation occurs—you enter the market with no knowledge, accidentally make money, then think you understand everything. Later, you chase seemingly more certain and comfortable opportunities, only to give all your gains back. People call this luck, but in reality, it’s a phase of standing against emotion.

There’s no mysticism in investing. Simply put, it’s about holding back when it’s tough, and staying calm when it’s exciting. Those who can do this long-term aren’t just making money from the market—they’re making money from human nature.