Third Cohort, Session 3 · Direction and Perseverance

Getting caught in internal friction before finding a solution happens because the direction and methods are wrong

Key insights

Getting caught in internal friction before finding a solution happens becauseThe direction is wrong, and the method is wrong.. With the right direction and methods, the goal can certainly be achieved.Quantitative change leads to qualitative change, qualitative change leads to a phase transition, and a phase transition leads to total transformation. Recognizing that something is not right for you is itself the right thing.

2.1 The Root Cause of Internal Friction

The Essence of the Problem

• Problem: Falling into internal friction before finding a solution
• Root causes:
  • The direction is incorrect
  • The method is incorrect
  • No positive feedback
• Results:
  • Persisting without results
  • Self-doubt
  • Energy depletion
  • A vicious cycle

The Prerequisite for Persistence

• Correct persistence:
  • The direction is right
  • The method is right
  • There is positive feedback
  • Quantitative change → qualitative change → phase change → comprehensive change
• Incorrect persistence:
  • The direction is wrong
  • The method is wrong
  • There is no feedback
  • The longer you persist, the more wrong you become

2.2 From Quantitative Change to Qualitative Change

The Laws of Change

• Quantitative change → qualitative change → phase change → total transformation
• Explanation:
  • Quantitative change: Continuous accumulation
  • Qualitative change: Breaking through the critical point
  • Phase change: A change in state
  • Comprehensive change: An all-around upgrade
• Examples:
  • Eat a little less every day → lose weight (quantitative change → qualitative change)
  • Run for 10 seconds every day → run 100 meters in 9.8 seconds after a month (quantitative change → qualitative change)
  • Continue doing the right things → success (comprehensive change)

Prerequisite Conditions

• Prerequisite for quantitative change to become qualitative change:

1. The direction is right

• Clear goals
• A viable path
• Consistent with underlying principles

1. The method is right

• Replicable
• Verifiable
• Supported by real examples

1. Repeat consistently

• Build up over time
• Keep going without interruption
• Be patient

2.3 How to Know You’re Heading in the Right Direction

Find role models

• Method: Find ten mentors
  • Nine say the methods are consistent
  • The overall direction is right
  • Details can be adjusted
• Note:
  • Don’t rely on just one mentor
  • Avoid relying on isolated examples
  • Look for consensus
  • Verify replicability

Replicability

• The right method:
  • Repeatable
  • Verifiable
  • It is not an isolated case
  • Has multiple success stories
• Verification:
  • See whether others have succeeded using the same method
  • Can you replicate it yourself?
  • Is it broadly applicable?
  • Not an exceptional case

There is feedback

• Feedback loop:
• Action → Result → Feedback → Adjustment → Action Again
• The key:
  • There must be action
  • There must be results
  • Adjust based on the results
  • Keep improving

2.4 Recognizing a Poor Fit Is Also a Valid Outcome

The wisdom of letting go

• Discovering it’s not a good fit after giving it your all:
  • That’s also the right outcome
  • Realizing you can’t do it is a moment of clarity
  • Cut your losses in time and change course
  • Better than refusing to see the truth
• Examples:
  • A year of livestreaming with no progress → give up being on camera and work behind the scenes
  • Realizing after ten years of marriage that you’re not right for each other → divorce is the right choice
  • Trying desperately and realizing it won’t work → change direction
  • Knowing you can’t do it → that itself is a success

The definition of success

• Success is not just about accomplishing something:
  • Making it work is success
  • Knowing it won't work is also success
  • Cutting your losses in time is success
  • Finding the right direction is success
  • Understanding yourself is also success
• The key:
  • Give it your all to put it to the test
  • Reach a conclusion
  • Accept reality
  • Change direction

2.5 Find your passion

Test your aptitude

• Method: Try more things
  • Try different fields
  • Find what makes you different
  • A niche hobby could also be a talent
  • Gaming, diving, and cooking are all possibilities
• The key:
  • Talent is discovered through testing
  • Not through thinking alone
  • It has to make money
  • Be able to support yourself

Passion and making money

• Your passion must be able to earn you money:
  • The prerequisite for parental support: Be able to support yourself
  • Let your child try an esports school
  • If they can't handle it, they can go back to studying
  • Put your passion to a real-world test
• Examples:
  • Love playing video games → Try attending an esports school
  • Can handle it → Keep going
  • Can't handle it → Go back to studying
  • Reality check

Key quotes

• "With the right direction and the right method, the goal can definitely be achieved."
• "Quantitative change leads to qualitative change, qualitative change leads to a phase change, and a phase change leads to total transformation."
• "Knowing that you are not suited to something is, in itself, the right answer."
• "Consult ten mentors. If nine agree on the approach, you're broadly on the right track."
• "Discovering it's not right for you after giving it your all is better than stubbornly refusing to face reality."
• "Talent is discovered through testing, not through thinking alone."
• "Your passion must be able to earn you money; otherwise, it's just an indulgence that undermines your ambition."

Practical application

Review your current direction

1. Find role models: Consult ten peers or experienced professionals
2. Validate the approach: Check whether it is replicable and verifiable
3. Evaluate the feedback: Is there positive feedback?
4. Decide whether to persist or give up

Test your aptitude

1. List your interests: Write down everything you're interested in
2. Try them out: Try each one for 3 months
3. Evaluate the results: Can it make money?
4. Choose a direction: Find something you love that can also make money

Build a feedback loop

1. Set small goals: Weekly/monthly
2. Take action: Start immediately
3. Record the results: Keep objective records
4. Adjust and optimize: Adjust based on feedback

Practice checklist

• ☐ Ask ten experienced people to validate your direction
• ☐ Confirm whether the approach can be replicated
• ☐ Assess whether there is positive feedback
• ☐ If there's no progress after a year, consider giving up
• ☐ Test three possible areas of interest