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In Crypto We Trust? Only If You Stay Grounded

Balancing Excitement with Caution in Web3 Finance

Author

Scott Kasten
April 23, 2025

I remember the first time I bought Ethereum. It was the fall of 2018 and it had only been in existence for just over three years. The price had just dipped that summer after a bull run, and I told myself I was getting in “early.” It was a rather modest amount, but I refreshed the app every few minutes, watching my investment jump up… then fall back down… then up once again. It felt electric, but also anxiety producing. But it wasn’t investing—it was experimental adrenaline.

And that’s the trap.

Crypto is exciting—no doubt about it. It’s fast, it’s global, and it promises a revolution in how we think about finance, ownership, and value. But too often, people treat it like a casino. They see the big wins, they want in, and they rush. What they miss is the foundation that successful investors build: research, strategy, and emotional discipline. It’s ok to take a long approach. I decided to ignore my initial Ethereum purchase for awhile, in fact I actually forgot about it for several months. At one point during the pandemic it was up almost 30x its value, then when I decided to sell much of it off in early 2023 it had gone back down, but still 15x more than the purchase price.

📉 Volatility Is a Feature, Not a Flaw

You’ve heard it before: crypto is volatile. But it’s more than just market swings—it’s psychological volatility. When your portfolio is down 40% in a month, you question everything. When it’s up 60%, you feel invincible. Neither emotion helps you make good decisions.

That’s why your mindset matters. Crypto investing requires a steady hand. It rewards conviction and punishes impatience.

Start with what you believe in. Do you think Ethereum will power the future of finance? Do you believe in Bitcoin as digital gold? Good—build your strategy around that belief. Then, diversify, pace yourself, and stay humble.

🧠 Be Curious, Not Careless

There’s nothing wrong with excitement—it’s what brings many of us here. But curiosity beats hype every time.

Ask questions:

  • What problem is this token solving?

  • Who is behind it?

  • Where’s the utility?

  • What happens if the market tanks?

If you can’t answer those, pause before clicking “buy.”

And remember, you don’t have to chase every jump. Most of the time, the people screaming loudest about a new coin already got in—and they want you to drive the price up for them. Don’t be someone else’s exit liquidity. This is why well known crypto tokens are much safer, especially over time.

The Optimist’s Edge

Still, I’m optimistic. I believe crypto isn’t just a fad—it’s a paradigm shift. We’re still early. We’re still building. And those who engage thoughtfully—who take the time to learn, question, and experiment—will be the ones to help shape the future of this space.

So yes, invest in crypto. Just don’t invest your peace of mind, your rent money, or your ego.

Start small. Stay smart. And trust—not just in the tech—but in your ability to be a better, more grounded investor than you were yesterday.

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