#1 Predictor of Success
I made a terrible mistake.
For years, I believed that the key to success was hard work.
I was wrong.
The #1 predictor of success isn’t hard work; it’s the zip code you’re born in.
This means, your environment and the people you associate with shape your success more than your effort.
This year, I've committed to a crucial lesson: ONLY PURSUE OPPORTUNITIES THAT HAVE LEVERAGE.
As an immigrant, I was taught to pursue careers like becoming a doctor, engineer, or lawyer—worth about $250k a year.
I love my parents for instilling a strong work ethic. It's great for escaping poverty but not for achieving wealth.
My focus now is on leverage and compounding opportunities.
As Warren Buffett says, 'It’s not about how hard you row; it’s about what boat you’re in.'
My boats have made me money, but it required hustle.
Shifting your standards is key to escaping the hustle mindset.
If you aim for $100k opportunities, you'll make $10k. Aim for $1M opportunities, you'll make $100k. Aim for $100M opportunities, you'll make $1M.
Initially, I couldn’t pursue greater opportunities. But after nearly 10 years of leveling up, I became valuable, and bigger opportunities emerged.
Two key lessons:
Choose opportunities with leverage
Continuously raise your standards—in life, in what you build, and in what you pursue.
Remember, you can't lose if you don't quit.
-Malik