What It Takes to Achieve Greatness

To be in the top 1%, you need to do what the other 99% aren’t doing. Following the crowd won’t get you there.

506 Words | 2 Min Read

Quote of the day:

You’ve probably heard the advice that to be in the top 1%, you need the perfect morning routine, the right supplements, and an unbeatable focus. But the truth is far from that.

To be in the top 1%, you need to do what the other 99% aren’t doing. Following the crowd won’t get you there.

But what does it mean to really go against the grain? While there’s no exact blueprint, there’s a common thread among those who have reached the top 1%, and it boils down to these three things:

1. Having a Contrarian Idea

The first step is thinking differently. A contrarian idea is one that hasn’t been explored, one that might sound crazy to others but addresses a real problem that needs solving.

This could be solving a huge issue, starting a new movement, or revealing a breakthrough idea—something bold and divisive, like AI or Starlink.

2. Being Right About That Idea

The next step is testing your idea. No one knows if their idea will work until they put it into action. This is where you take a risk.

Being right about your idea is key, but it doesn’t happen on the first try for most. Many of the most successful people weren’t correct on their first or even third attempt. But those who keep pushing eventually get it right.

3. Executing on That Idea

Execution is where most people fall short. Ideas are everywhere, but very few people actually take action, especially at the level of building something meaningful like a company.

Take Steve Jobs, for example. His contrarian idea was that one day everyone would have a personal computer—not just on their desk, but in their pocket. People thought it was absurd, but he didn’t let that stop him. He acted on it and proved them wrong.

Or consider Elon Musk’s vision that everyone would drive electric cars. While it’s not fully realized yet, Tesla was the highest-grossing car company in 2022, proving that he’s well on his way.

ACTIONABLE NEXT STEPS:

If you want to get started, focus on finding your own contrarian idea.

Don’t force it by searching in desperation. Instead, stay open and aware, and when you find that idea, go after it with everything you’ve got.

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