For Bitcoin to truly succeed in its purpose, we must avoid at all costs its transformation into just another speculative asset of the fiat world.
I have always been wary of financial derivatives, and I am convinced that Bitcoin ETFs are not a godsend but rather the latest desperate attempt by the institutional world to control this commodity.
We must foster decoupling, and to do so, we must adhere to the following principles:
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Education: Bitcoin is not a speculative asset but a new monetary technology. As bitcoiners, it is our duty to educate people about what money is and what real problems Bitcoin truly solves.
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Decentralization: If you are a Bitcoiner, do everything in your power to support the network. Mining is now out of reach for most individuals, but you can run your own full node (even better if also Lightning) and contribute immensely to the network.
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Do not sell your sats: This is one of the most important points. Selling Bitcoin for fiat only reinforces the speculative nature of this asset. Unless you are in absolute emergency, never sell your Bitcoin for dirty fiat. Try to hold onto your bitcoin or, even better, spend a portion (see next point).
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Spend Bitcoin: This requires more people to start accepting Bitcoin as payment, and you should serve to make this happen. Every time you purchase a good or service, inquire if you can pay in Bitcoin. They may laugh at you, consider you a poor fool, but persevere in this act. Approach local merchants and offer to assist them with Bitcoin education and adoption.
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Promote self-custody: Emphasize the importance of individuals holding their own private keys and taking responsibility for their own security. Encourage the use of hardware wallets and secure storage practices to mitigate the risks of custodial services and exchanges.
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Cultivate long-term thinking: Bitcoin's potential as a global reserve currency and medium of exchange may take years or even decades to fully realize. Maintain a long-term perspective in your engagement with Bitcoin, focusing on its fundamental principles and potential societal impact rather than short-term price fluctuations.