I recently read that painful experiences tend to leave a more vivid mark on our memory than pleasant ones. Pain often carries with it distressing emotions and trauma that intensify its impact. Additionally, one becomes more cautious about engaging in activities that previously brought about suffering.

In the realm of crypto, memories tend to be short-lived. As everything starts to turn green and we step into the "up only season," our bear market promises and plans often fade into the background. Euphoria and impulsive thinking take over, and many of us (myself included) ride the wave up, only to find ourselves crashing back down into the bear market.

I've fallen into this trap during two consecutive bull markets, and I've regretted it every single time. I believe I've reached a new level of understanding that will enable me to effectively capitalize on the upcoming "only up" season. Instead of fixating on price targets and specific dates, I'm now prioritizing sentiment—both my own and that of the crypto community.

When every random altcoin seems boundless and euphoria permeates the air, it's a clear sign that it's time to sell. The end of the festivities is nigh, and a chilling bear market is lurking around the corner.

I've shed my belief in miracles and firmly discarded the notion of a super cycle prophecy. I've paid a steep price for falling into such illusions. However, as the fun season approaches, I've chosen to keep the pain alive. It may sound like a form of masochism, but incorporating the memory of bear market pain into our investment strategies during the fun season can lead to more balanced decisions and secure profits.

Looking back at my mindset during the last bull market, I realize I was programmed to lose money and squander opportunities. I wasted considerable returns on investments from 2019, and I even let slip nearly $10,000 worth of airdrops received in 2021 and early 2022.

I was on the phone with my father yesterday, and I occasionally try to introduce him to the world of crypto and encourage him to adopt an investor's mindset. Our conversation touched on cars, and he mentioned his intention to sell his old car and upgrade to a slightly newer model—not brand new, but a better production year.

Back in 2021, I was so disillusioned with my car that it felt like a burden, and I constantly explored other models as potential replacements. While I had substantial savings, I lacked the investor's perspective. My focus was on spending more money rather than redirecting that energy into creating additional passive income streams.

During that conversation, I told my father that I'd prefer to use the money intended for a newer car to buy a reliable one that I could rent out to generate income while still driving my old vehicle. My obsession with passive income has become my primary plan for the profits I'll accumulate during this bull market. This approach stems from the hardships I endured during the previous bear market.

I nearly depleted my savings and Hive account to maintain a lifestyle free from the 9-5 grind I'd escaped from a few years ago, which had taken a toll on my mental well-being. If I'd played my cards right in 2021, my savings would be more substantial, and I could have bolstered my Hive account instead of draining it.

I admit my past foolishness, and the memories of my missteps are etched into my consciousness. However, I'm using these memories as motivation to "treat money with respect" in the years ahead. I won't spend recklessly as I did in 2020-2021; my primary focus will be constructing sustainable passive income streams so that I won't hemorrhage financially when the next bear market inevitably arrives.

I can't predict how much these words will impact you, the reader, but I can attest that they're aiding me in adhering to my plan and becoming a more adept investor while managing my finances responsibly. With that, I bid you all a fantastic Saturday and look forward to our next encounter.

Thanks for your attention,
Adrian