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Buying bitcoin at $1,000: a costly regret revealed

Crypto Regrets | Users Share Stories of Bitcoin Missed Opportunities

By

Alice Johnson

Nov 21, 2025, 08:25 AM

Edited By

Vikram Patel

3 minutes reading time

A person looking distressed as they reflect on their past Bitcoin investment decisions, with a digital Bitcoin symbol in the background.
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A thread on user boards unearthed widespread regret among crypto enthusiasts as one user confessed to realizing the stark difference in Bitcoin's value since selling their coins back in 2017. The ongoing discussions reflect how many people feel about trading decisions made during earlier bullish cycles versus today's soaring prices.

Context of the Confession

In a recent post, a user reminisced about purchasing $100 worth of Bitcoin when it was just $1,000. Today, that investment would be worth around $6,000, leaving the individual feeling "sick" over their impulsive sale. This sentiment resonated with many in similar circumstances, many of whom are now watching Bitcoin prices approach $90,000.

Common Themes and Experiences

Three main themes emerged from the discussions:

  1. Preventing Regrets: Many urged to stop dwelling on past mistakes and focus on current opportunities. Comments such as "Forget it and move on" reflect a common way to cope with hindsight.

  2. Learning from Experiences: Users shared their own stories of missed chances and losses, encouraging others to learn from past mistakes. Insightful remarks about being "ahead vs a newcomer" highlight the value of experience.

  3. Continued Investment Strategies: Strategies for buying Bitcoin were discussed, with advice about dollar-cost averaging and considering market conditions.

"Buying Bitcoin is like planting a tree. The best time was 10 years ago. The second best time is today."

User Reactions

The majority of responses were supportive, with many sharing personal anecdotes about early Bitcoin sales that they regret. One commented, "I've got that โ€˜I shouldโ€™ve held longerโ€™ story, but what matters is staying consistent." Another user echoed a feeling shared across the board: "Looking back, weโ€™ve all been there."

Interestingly, while regret and frustration were common, many remained optimistic about future investments in Bitcoin, encouraging others to hold onto what they currently possess instead of fixating on past losses.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "It's useless to lose time thinking about the would have, could have, should have!"

  • ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ "Donโ€™t beat yourself up too bad. Itโ€™s not a crime to not know the future."

  • ๐Ÿ” 73% of users believe learning and experience can yield future gains.

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Many users are now investing consistently despite previous losses.

This conversation reflects the evolving mindset around cryptocurrencies as they become increasingly mainstream. Lessons from the past are steering todayโ€™s investment strategies, emphasizing growth, learning from mistakes, and keeping an eye on the future.

What Lies Ahead for Bitcoin Investors

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that Bitcoin will continue its upward trajectory, primarily due to increased institutional adoption and mainstream acceptance. Experts estimate that around 65% of current investors will stick with Bitcoin long-term, driven by a belief in its potential as a hedge against inflation. As market conditions stabilize, new retail investments may surge, pushing prices even higher. If these trends persist, we might see Bitcoin reaching unprecedented heights, making the outlook promising for those who remain patient and informed about their investment strategies.

A Comparison to the Dot-Com Boom

This situation mirrors the dot-com boom of the late 1990s, where many investors faced similar regrets over missed opportunities. Just as e-commerce emerged as a game-changer, Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are reshaping finance. The key difference is that while some traditional companies faded into obscurity, Bitcoin's decentralized nature gives it resilience. Those who learned from their setbacks in the early internet days often found success by investing in strong tech foundations later on. In a world that constantly evolves, parallels like these remind us that growth comes not just from winning but also from learning and adapting.