How to start crypto trading without risking more money than you can afford to lose in 2026?

I have been interested in crypto trading for a while, but one thing that's holding me back is the amount of capital it seems to take to generate meaningful returns.

from what i have seen, even if you're doing reasonably well, a small account can take a very long time to grow into something substantial.

For people who have already gone through the learning curve, how did you start crypto trading without taking on excessive risk or putting too much of your own money on the line?