Entering the world of trading can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Starting with just $85, I managed to turn it into $800 in a few weeks. This journey taught me important lessons about strategy, discipline, and patience — lessons any beginner can use to achieve success. Let me walk you through my process, step by step, so you can confidently replicate it.
Start small and have a clear plan
I started with $85, a small amount I could afford to risk as a beginner. My first step was to establish two important rules:
1. Risk management: I committed to never risking more than 5% of my capital on a single trade. This ensured that my account would survive even if I faced consecutive losses.
2. Achievable goals: instead of chasing big profits overnight, I aimed for a steady, manageable gain of 2-3% per day, gradually increasing my capital.
I chose Binance as my trading platform due to low fees, a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, and beginner-friendly tools.
Laying the foundation: learning the basics
As a beginner in trading, I spent time learning the basics before risking real money. I focused on:
Market trends: I studied historical price movements and learned to identify patterns such as support and resistance levels and breakouts.
Indicators: I used tools like the relative strength index (RSI) to assess overbought or oversold conditions, as well as the moving average convergence divergence (MACD) for trend changes.
Divergences: Understanding how bullish and bearish divergences work helped me confidently predict reversals.
Free resources like tutorial materials on YouTube, beginner eBooks, and forums provided invaluable information during this learning phase.
Trading strategies that worked
To grow my account, I used a combination of scalping and swing trading strategies:
Scalping: I made quick trades, aiming to profit from small price movements within minutes or hours.
Swing trading: I held positions for 2-3 days, focusing on larger price trends to achieve greater profits.
I focused on highly liquid coins such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and well-established altcoins, avoiding obscure tokens with unpredictable price fluctuations.
Profitable trades and key decisions
1. Identifying bullish trends:
Analyzing BTC, I spotted a bullish divergence on the RSI. I entered a long trade with $40 and set a tight stop-loss to manage risk. Within hours, the price rose, netting me a 15% profit — a quick increase of my capital by $6.
2. Swing trading for greater profits:
After researching mid-cap altcoins, I allocated $50 for swing trading. In four days, the coin rose by 20%, netting me a profit of $10. By reinvesting this profit, I gradually increased my income.
3. Multiplying winnings:
Every small win was reinvested into my next trade, gradually increasing the size of my positions without increasing my exposure to risk. This compounding effect allowed my account to grow exponentially.
Valuable lessons learned
1. Discipline is non-negotiable:
I stuck to my strategy, avoided impulsive trades, and did not let emotions dictate my decisions.
2. Preserving accounts with stop-loss orders:
Protecting my trades.
Mistakes I managed to avoid along the way
Overtrading: Early on, I realized that too many trades led to unnecessary losses. I learned to wait for strong setups instead of forcing trades.
FOMO (fear of missing out): I avoided coins that were actively discussed on social media without serious analysis, as they often led to losses.
Neglecting research: Whenever I skipped proper research, I found myself in losing trades. Thorough analysis became my priority for every position.
Results: Achieving $800
In just four weeks of disciplined trading, my account grew from $85 to $800. By wisely reinvesting profits and adhering to risk management rules, I scaled my trades while keeping risk low. This growth was not just about money — it was a confidence booster that proved even beginners can succeed with the right mindset and approach.
Tips for beginner traders
1. Start small: use an amount you are willing to risk and focus on learning rather than making quick profits.
2. Invest in education: before starting to trade, take time to study market trends, chart patterns, and trading tools.
3. Keep a trading journal: recording each trade helped me identify what works and avoid repeating mistakes.
4. Be patient: Success in trading doesn't come overnight. Focus on developing your skills and accumulating small wins.
Final thoughts
Turning $85 into $800 was not a matter of luck — it was about strategy, discipline, and consistency. This experience taught me that with a clear plan and willingness to learn, anyone can start their trading journey and achieve meaningful results.
If you are ready to dive in, remember: trading is a marathon, not a sprint. Stick to your strategy, manage risks, and focus on progress, not perfection. You will be amazed at what is possible if you are disciplined.
