Why Can Most People Not Become the Top 1%
- 1
You can never wake up a sleeping person.
Knowing this sentence comes from a high school English textbook. But the true understanding came from consulting with principals.
'Ms. Wei, I've considered this plan before, but I haven't executed it. I don't know if it will work.'
We often think we know everything, but knowing and doing are worlds apart. This is the fundamental cause of failure and success.
Even the best plan won't yield good results without effective execution.
Now I understand why Lao Cat repeatedly emphasizes—the importance of 'listen and obey'
We often can't break through because we always carry a questioning attitude, whether it's towards ourselves or others.
- 2
'Buddhist-style' is composure after exhausting all efforts, while most people use it as an excuse not to work hard.
I often hear people say something like, 'I'm quite a Buddhist-style person, I don't have big ambitions, and I don't want to be too tired.'
These people are often making excuses for their laziness and reluctance to seek effort.
Some people say, 'Everyone has their own rhythm, I'll just take it slow, and I'll eventually reach my destination.'
This sentence itself isn't problematic; different flowers have different blooming seasons. But this shouldn't be a self-comforting lowering of expectations.
Lao Cat started with one push-up a day to improve his fitness. Gradually, he increased it to 100.
However, most people remain at just one push-up a day but still want to have a charming physique.
This might be the root of the pain for ordinary people—the mismatch between their actual efforts and what they want.
- 3
What you understand as 'dedication' is actually other people's passion and daily routine.
When my husband came to me while I was writing, he poured me a cup of red tea: 'Honey, you're not sleeping enough. Don't work so hard.'
Don't work so hard—I've heard this said to me countless times since I started my job.
When I was training for a 30-minute lesson, I prepared for a week. Why? Because I wanted to review all related teaching materials, summarize the key knowledge points, and then use stories to connect them throughout the lesson.
The first time I gave a public lecture to 200 people at a public school, I practiced nearly 100 times in front of the mirror to ensure it would be brilliant.
Those who think I'm too dedicated don't know that I enjoy it. I love being on the stage, seeing students' shining eyes, and the accomplishment of sharing new knowledge with them.
As Li Xiao Lai said, 'When you say you're persisting in something, you usually don't last long. Because you're not doing it out of passion, but because someone else expects you to.'
- 4
In today's era, there's no such thing as being overlooked for talent.
Without results, it's always due to insufficient accumulation. Often, we're envious of others' achievements, leading us to be confused and anxious. In reality, others' success is often backed by a lot of time and experience.
Here's a potentially painful but truthful statement:
There's no shortcut in this world; don't fantasize about instant success.
Behind the rapid monetization of others, there's a deep accumulation of experience and knowledge.
Why don't most people become one of the top 1%?
Because they think too much and do too little!
Next time, when you're lost and struggling, ask yourself: 'Is my accumulation enough?'
