Let me begin by congratulating Bitcoin on officially reaching $100,000 today. This milestone reminds me of an amusing story from January 2018 when I wrote an article about surviving bear markets. Back then, I boldly stated:
"A single Bitcoin will reach $50,000—it's only a matter of time. Since we know this, every action should focus on accumulating more Bitcoin. Why sell at a loss now? What loss exists?"
A skeptical commenter responded: *"Did the author pull this $50K prediction out of thin air?"* That day, Bitcoin traded at $11,000. Fast forward to today—that unchanged comment became an internet pilgrimage site as Bitcoin shattered each $10K threshold.
The Reality of Holding (HODLing) Bitcoin
You might imagine HODLing as steadfast resolve, but the truth unfolds in three phases:
- Idealized HODL: Confident diamond hands
- Actual HODL: White-knuckled through volatility
- Enlightened HODL: Peaceful long-term conviction
So why do most fail to hold? My 2018 self would argue: "Just store it in cold storage!" After 7 years in this space, I've realized that's only half the answer. Today, I'll share the complete framework:
Three Pillars to Successfully HODL Bitcoin
- Cold Storage Security
Self-custody eliminates exchange risks. Use hardware wallets for offline protection. Faith Reinforcement
Bitcoin's narrative strengthens through cycles:- First Stage (16000→30000): Grayscale's institutional accumulation and legal victories
- Second Stage (30000→60000): Spot ETF approvals funneling traditional capital
- Third Stage (60000→100000): MicroStrategy's aggressive treasury strategy
- Future Stage: Potential national reserve adoption catalyzed by U.S. policy shifts
Living Well
Avoid comparison traps from:- Fake "5M leverage trade" screenshots
- Survivorship bias in success stories
- Emotional FOMO triggers by altcoin promoters
FAQ: Addressing Common Concerns
Q: Can Bitcoin still deliver life-changing gains?
A: While past performance isn't indicative, Bitcoin's fixed supply and growing adoption create asymmetric upside potential.
Q: How often should I check the price?
A: Set quarterly reviews—obsessive tracking leads to emotional decisions.
Q: What if altcoins outperform?
A: History shows 95% of investors lose BTC holdings chasing altcoins. The 5% who gain are statistical outliers.
Actionable Steps to Preserve Wealth
👉 Best practices for Bitcoin cold storage
👉 Building conviction during market cycles
- Document your journey—journaling reinforces purpose
- Practice gratitude—compare your holdings to fiat depreciation
- Sleep 7+ hours—cognitive clarity prevents rash moves
Remember: "The Bitcoin you own today is likely the most you'll ever have." As 1 BTC = 1 BTC remains true across decades, focus on these three pillars—not hypothetical 100x altcoins. Your future self will thank you.