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Tag: Persistence

  • AI Will Never Be Able To Spot True Excellence – Dragos Roua

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    In 1999, at the Cannes Film Festival, there was a movie projection that made the audience physically uncomfortable. They literally booed it. Critics dismissed it as gratuitously violent, confusing, and fundamentally flawed. Everybody in the theater agreed: this was a bad movie.

    That movie was Fight Club.

    Twenty-five years later, Fight Club is considered one of the most important films in Western cinema. It’s profound and moving. It describes modern existence in a way that had never been done before—the emptiness of consumerism, the crisis of masculinity and the desperate search for meaning in a world devoid of it.

    The same people who booed in Cannes eventually recognized they had witnessed something that would reshape how we think about storytelling.

    Excellence Means Breaking Patterns

    But the most surprising and eerie part of all this is that those critics weren’t stupid. They were real experts trained on everything that came before. They knew what made a good movie according to current standards.

    And that’s precisely why they couldn’t see what was in front of them.

    This is exactly where AI sits today. Large language models are the critics in that Cannes theater, trained on everything that existed until their cutoff date. They can tell you what worked. They can recognize patterns from the past. But they cannot—fundamentally cannot—identify what will matter in the future.

    They have no capacity to recognize disruption because disruption, by definition, breaks the patterns they were trained to detect.

    Keep Your Weirdness Separate From AI

    This is why I’ve never built AI tools for content generation or evaluation. When I created my Claude content skills, I deliberately avoided anything that would judge the value of creative work. Instead, I focused on structural adjustments—how content fits within a blog post architecture, interlinking, SEO metadata, formatting. Just the mechanical parts.

    Creativity, disruption, the thing that make Fight Club a cornerstone of our modern culture—that remains human territory.

    If you’re using AI to evaluate whether your book is good, whether your movie will resonate, whether your art has value, you’re asking the Cannes critics of 1999 to predict the cultural impact of Fight Club. The answer will be wrong. Always. And it has to be wrong.

    Real excellence is something that breaks the model. This is why it’s important to maintain your own quirks, outside of AI. To keep experimenting. To keep making mistakes, correcting them, and starting over. Even when it’s exhausting. Even when it feels like you’re going nowhere.

    Because what is personal—what is yours, what is specific to your life experience and how you see the world through your own eyes—that is the value you bring to the world. No model was trained on that. No algorithm can evaluate it.

    Keep working on it. Even when there are no visible results yet.

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    dragos@dragosroua.com (Dragos Roua)

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  • Want to Help People Be More Generous, Engaged, and (Oddly Enough) More Resilient? The Science of ‘Thanks in Advance’

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    I needed to get a 370-pound freestanding tub up two flights of stairs, into a bathroom, and — because of how the tub’s brass drain pipe fits into a flange connecting to the waste pipe below the floor — lowered slowly into place with zero room for error: if we were off by a hair, the lateral pressure on the drain pipe would probably crack the base of the tub. (No, I’m not a fan of the design.)

    So I asked a neighbor if he had any strong friends, and he rounded up three guys happy to make some extra money.

    Even so, I felt bad. It was a heavy yet delicate task, one I hadn’t quite figured out how to pull off. I had a plan, but knew we might have to adjust in the moment. I knew it would be hard and didn’t want to waste their time. Should I have felt that way? Arguably not: I I figured it would take no more than two hours, one way (success or failure) or the other, and would pay each of them $100. As Don Draper would say about the work-for-compensation transaction, “That’s what the money’s for.”

    They knew what they were getting into. If they didn’t want the work, you could argue that’s an emotion they shouldn’t feel.

    You could argue my being less than thrilled if they were less than thrilled — I hate interactions that feel remotely uncomfortable or confrontational — is an emotion I shouldn’t feel.

    Then I remembered what former FBI hostage negotiator and bestselling author Chris Voss said in his MasterClass: to paraphrase Voss, thank people before they do something.

    According to Voss:

    I’ve used that with airline customer service personnel who talked to me as if I’m lucky to have them on the phone at all. Who put me on hold for a long period of time. When she came back on the phone, I said, “It really feels like you’re being generous with your time,” and her tone changed instantly.

    She fixed the problem with no charge, which is exactly what I was after. I wanted more generosity from her. I knew it was buried, underlying the emotions on the surface.

    I just used a positive label to build it back up.

    Praising or thanking people before they do something well? Before they help you? Before they do the job you pay them to do?

    That’s what I did. When they arrived, I said, “Thanks for helping me out. This is going to suck. The tub is heavy and we have to set it down perfectly. I have a plan, but I’m also open to ideas. I really appreciate you helping, and helping me figure out how to pull this off.”

    “Tough job, with a limited chance of success?” one said, laughing. “Sounds right up our alley.”

    They carried the tub up the steps and into the bathroom onto blocks to support it while I attached the drain pipe. “You guys made that look easy,” I said.

    “Well, it was…” one said, smiling, “and it wasn’t.”

    “But it’s still better than my day job,” another laughed.

    Fifteen minutes later — with the help of some straps, removing a set of blocks at a time so I could fine-tune the positioning, and some strategically crossed fingers — my initial plan worked.

    I breathed a sign of relief both because the tub was in place but also because none of them got frustrated. There was no awkwardness, no tension, no impatience, no “I didn’t think this is what were were getting into.”

    Which, in retrospect, shouldn’t be surprising. An Academy of Management study found that compared to gratitude after the fact, anticipatory gratitude increases resilience, and anticipatory gratitude prior to completing a distressing task increases persistence.

    Partly that’s due to feelings of social worth; if you know you’re appreciated and valued, you’re more likely to work harder and stay the course. In this case, they were there to help me solve a problem I couldn’t solve myself. Saying I appreciated them helping put a positive label on their role.

    They weren’t just working; they were helping.

    And they knew their help was appreciated, not just afterwards, but also beforehand.

    Thanking them in advance also helped me manage my emotions. By thanking them ahead of time, I took care of a potential “370 pounds up two flights of stairs” elephant in the room. By thanking them ahead of time, I took care of a potential “it may take us a while to figure out how to set this thing into place” elephant in the room.” (And made them partners in helping me figure it out if it didn’t go well.)

    Try it. The next time you need help, thank the other person in advance. Say, “Thanks for picking me up, I really appreciate it,” to the Uber driver. Say, “Thanks for calling (an upset customer) to try to repair the relationship.” Say, “Thanks for being willing to stay late to get the orders out on time.”

    Even when it’s the person’s job to do whatever you want them to do, lead with, “I really appreciate you taking the time to help me.” 

    Don’t want until a transaction is complete to say thank you.

    Say it beforehand, too. Sure, they’ll they be more willing to help, and be more willing to stay the course if the task is difficult.

    But just as importantly, once you thank them for completing the task, they’ll have heard “thank you” twice.

    And that’s is a good thing, since no one receives too much appreciation and praise.

    The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.

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    Jeff Haden

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  • ‘Warren Buffett Made 99% of His Wealth After Age 50’: Billionaire Grant Cardone Says Age is No Excuse To Stop Building Wealth

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    Entrepreneur and real estate investor Grant Cardone has built his public persona around challenging conventional thinking on wealth creation. His assertion that “Warren Buffett made 99% of his wealth after age 50… Any excuse that you have about it being ‘too late’ is a garbage lie you tell yourself” reflects both his aggressive motivational style and a broader truth about financial success. The message underscores the idea that opportunity does not expire with age and that discipline and persistence can yield transformative results well beyond early career stages.

    By citing Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) (BRK.A) boss Warren Buffett — widely regarded as one of the most successful investors of all time — Cardone points to an example that transcends individual philosophy. Buffett’s fortune, largely accumulated through decades of compounding returns, demonstrates how consistent effort, patience, and long-term investing strategies can produce outsized results later in life. Cardone leverages this reality to confront the myth that wealth-building must be achieved early or not at all, dismissing the notion of “too late” as self-defeating.

    Cardone’s own career trajectory helps explain why this sentiment resonates in his work. After facing financial struggles in his 20s, he turned to sales and real estate, steadily building what is now a multi-billion-dollar property portfolio through Cardone Capital. His rise wasn’t marked by overnight wealth, but by persistence, scaling efforts, and reinvestment over time.

    This makes Cardone’s endorsement of later-in-life success, like Buffett’s, consistent with his lived experience. He has consistently emphasized that individuals can reset their path regardless of background or age, provided they are willing to embrace discipline and sustained effort.

    Cardone has become an authoritative figure in the world of personal finance education not by following traditional Wall Street models, but by building credibility through results. His influence is particularly strong among audiences seeking direct, motivational guidance outside of conventional financial institutions.

    Given that, the authority of his comment here pulls from two sources: Buffett’s established legacy of long-term wealth building, and Cardone’s own track record of advocating persistence as the foundation of financial growth. While his style often leans toward the provocative, the core message reflects widely acknowledged principles of investing and entrepreneurship.

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  • The Immovable Mind: Schopenhauer’s Daily Routine For 27 Years

    The Immovable Mind: Schopenhauer’s Daily Routine For 27 Years

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    What does the daily life of a legendary philosopher look like? Learn about Arthur Schopenhauer’s unique routine that he consistently followed for over 27 years.

    Arthur Schopenhauer was a major figure in German philosophy throughout the 19th century along with Friedrich Nietzsche and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.

    While he’s known for his pessimism and negative outlook on life, there’s no denying that Schopenhauer was an intellectual powerhouse of his time who influenced many great thinkers, philosophers, and artists long after his death.

    His book Essays and Aphorisms is a great introduction and overview of his philosophical ideas. It explains his core metaphysical belief of “world as appearance,” continuing the legacy of other idealist philosophers like Plato, Kant, and Indian philosophy, which warn about viewing the world strictly through a materialist lens.

    The beginning of the book provides a nice biography of Schopenhauer’s family background, education, and life history. There’s one interesting section on his daily routine that caught my attention and wanted to share; it’s always fascinating to gain insights into the habits and lifestyles of influential figures, especially potential role models we can emulate and borrow from.

    This specific routine characterizes the last third of Schopenhauer’s life:

      “From the age of 45 until his death 27 years later Schopenhauer lived in Frankfurt-am-Main. He lived alone… every day for 27 years he followed an identical routine.”

    Keep in mind, I’m only sharing this for educational purposes. I don’t necessarily recommend this way of living, but there are interesting lessons to takeaway from it, including how some of these habits relate to Schopenhauer’s overall philosophy.

    Arthur Schopenhauer’s Daily Routine

    Here’s a breakdown of Schopenhauer’s daily routine for the last 27 years of his life:

    • “He rose every morning at seven and had a bath but no breakfast;
    • He drank a cup of strong coffee before sitting down at his desk and writing until noon.
    • At noon he ceased work for the day and spent half-an-hour practicing the flute, on which he became quite a skilled performer.
    • Then he went out to lunch at the Englischer Hof.
    • After lunch he returned home and read until four, when he left for his daily walk:
    • He walked for two hours no matter what the weather.
    • At six o’clock, he visited the reading room of the library and read The Times.
    • In the evening he attended the theatre or a concert, after which he had dinner at a hotel or restaurant.
    • He got back home between nine and ten and went early to bed.”

    While Schopenhauer mostly kept to this strict routine unwaveringly, he was willing to make exceptions under specials circumstances such as if he had friends or visitors in town.

    Key Lessons and Takeaways

    This daily routine seems fitting for a solitary and introspective philosopher, but there are key lessons that fit with conventional self-improvement wisdom:

    • Early Rising: Schopenhauer started his day at 7 a.m., which aligns with the common advice of many successful individuals who advocate for early rising. This morning ritual is often associated with increased productivity and a sense of discipline.
    • No Breakfast: Skipping breakfast was part of Schopenhauer’s routine. While not everyone agrees with this approach, it resonates with intermittent fasting principles that some find beneficial for health and mental clarity.
    • Work Routine: Schopenhauer dedicated his mornings to work, writing until noon. This emphasizes the importance of having a focused and dedicated period for intellectual or creative work, especially early in the day.
    • Creative Break: Taking a break to practice the flute for half an hour after work highlights the value of incorporating creative or leisure activities into one’s routine. It can serve as a refreshing break and contribute to overall well-being.
    • Outdoor Exercise: Schopenhauer’s daily two-hour walk, regardless of the weather, emphasizes the significance of outdoor exercise for both physical and mental health. This practice aligns with contemporary views on the benefits of regular physical activity and spending time in nature.
    • Reading Habit: Schopenhauer spent time reading each day, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning and intellectual stimulation.
    • News Consumption: Reading The Times at the library suggests Schopenhauer valued staying informed about current events. It’s worth noting that he limited his news consumption to a specific time of day (but it was easier to restrict your information diet before the internet).
    • Cultural Engagement: Attending the theater or a concert in the evening indicates a commitment to cultural engagement and a balanced lifestyle.
    • Regular Bedtime: Going to bed early reflects an understanding of the importance of sufficient sleep for overall health and well-being.

    While Schopenhauer’s routine may not be suitable for everyone, there are elements of discipline, balance, and engagement with various aspects of life that individuals may find inspiring or applicable to their own lifestyles.

    The Immovable Mind

    Schopenhauer was known for his persistence and stubbornness – his consistent daily routine is just one manifestation of this.

    He wrote his magnum opus The World as Will and Representation in 1818 when he was only 28 years old, and he never fundamentally changed his views despite continuing to write and publish until his death at 72.

    Schopenhauer has been described as an “immovable mind,” never letting himself deviate from the course he was set out on.

    His two hour walk routine in any weather is one of the most popular examples of this. From the biography in the book:

      “Consider the daily two-hour walk. Among Schopenhauer’s disciples of the late nineteenth century this walk was celebrated fact of his biography, and it was so because of its regularity. There was speculation as to why he insisted on going out and staying out for two hours no matter what the weather. It suggests health fanaticism, but there is no other evidence that Schopenhauer was a health fanatic or crank. In my view the reason was simply obstinacy: he would go out and nothing would stop him.”

    While this immovability has its disadvantages, you have to admire the monk-like discipline.

    Schopenhauer was a proponent of ascetism, a life without pleasure-seeking and mindless indulgence. A lot of his philosophy centers around a type of “denouncement of the material world,” so it’s not surprising that a little rain and wind wouldn’t stop his daily walk.

    This way of living is reminiscent of the documentary Into Great Silence, which follows the daily lives of Carthusian monks living in the French mountains while they eat, clean, pray, and fulfill their chores and duties in quiet solitude.

    One of the hallmarks of a great routine is that it’s a sustainable system. The fact that Schopenhauer was able to follow this regimen for the rest of his life is a testament to its strength and efficacy, and something worth admiring even if it’s not a lifestyle we’d want to replicate for ourselves.


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    Steven Handel

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  • Entrepreneur | Michael Jordan Quotes: See His Most Motivational Remarks

    Entrepreneur | Michael Jordan Quotes: See His Most Motivational Remarks

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Michael Jordan is widely considered to be the best basketball player of all time, and is arguably one of the best athletes in history.

    He dominated the court from the mid-1980s until the late 1990s, leading the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships and winning the title of “Most Valuable Player” five times. In 2009, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. And in 2016, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama.

    RELATED: 8 Leadership Lessons From ESPN’s Documentary, ‘The Last Dance’

    While it’s obvious that Jordan is a naturally gifted athlete, much of what has made him so successful is his mindset. He pushed himself through hard work and always met challenges head-on. He has given his all in everything he has ever done. With his acrobatic dives and dunks, he had nearly unmatchable skills, but his authenticity, likeability and humility were the traits that made him a cultural icon.

    Jordan has a remarkable ability to inspire and motivate through his words. His strength, dedication and belief in working hard are reflected in many of the quotes attributed to him over the years. Here are the 12 of his most motivational quotes to make you really think about what it takes to be successful and keep you moving toward your goals and dreams.

    On failure:

    “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” — Michael Jordan, Nike Culture: The Sign of the Swoosh (1998) by Robert Goldman and Stephen Papson

    “I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” — Michael Jordan, I Can’t Accept Not Trying: Michael Jordan on the Pursuit of Excellence (1994) by Michael Jordan, Mark Vancil and Sandro Miller

    On teamwork:

    “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” — Michael Jordan, I Can’t Accept Not Trying: Michael Jordan on the Pursuit of Excellence (1994) by Michael Jordan, Mark Vancil and Sandro Miller

    Related: Billionaire Michael Jordan Donates Record-Breaking $10 Million to Make-A-Wish Foundation

    On overcoming limits and fears:

    “Never say never. Because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” — Michael Jordan, Hall of Fame induction address (2009)

    On becoming who you’re meant to be:

    “Look me in the eye. It’s okay if you’re scared. So am I. But we are scared for different reasons. I am scared of what I won’t become. And you are scared of what I could become. Look at me. I won’t let myself end where I started. I won’t let myself finish where I began. I know what is within me, even if you can’t see it yet. Look me in the eyes. I have something more important than courage. I have patience. I will become what I know I am.” — Michael Jordan, “Become Legendary“ commercial (2013)

    On the importance of core skills:

    “You can practice shooting 8 hours a day, but if your technique is wrong, then all you become is very good at shooting the wrong way. Get the fundamentals down and the level of everything you do will rise.” — Michael Jordan, The Champion’s Comeback: How Great Athletes Recover, Reflect and Reignite (2016) by Jim Afremow

    Related: This Is How You Become the Michael Jordan of What Matters to You

    On never giving up:

    “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” — Michael Jordan

    “My father used to say that it’s never too late to do anything you wanted to do. And he said you never know what you can accomplish until you try.” — Michael Jordan, “A Humbled Jordan Learns New Truths” (1994) The New York Times

    On setting goals:

    “You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them.” — Michael Jordan

    “I approach everything step by step … I had always set short-term goals. As I look back, each one of the steps or successes led to the next one.” — Michael Jordan, I Can’t Accept Not Trying: Michael Jordan on the Pursuit of Excellence (1994) by Michael Jordan, Mark Vancil and Sandro Miller

    Related: The Extraordinary Power of Visualizing Success

    @entrepreneur Why can’t Michael Jordan sell his house? Find out what makes this mansion a real estate agent’s dream and nightmare. Plus, see all of the unique incentives they’ve tried to help move it off the market. #EntrepreneurTok #CorporateTikTok #RealEstate #mansiontour #realtors ♬ Troubled Basketball – DJ BAI

    On playing to win:

    “I play to win, whether during practice or a real game. And I will not let anything get in the way of me and my competitive enthusiasm to win.” — Michael Jordan, Michael Jordan’s Unofficial Guide to Success in the NBA (2013) The Bleacher Report

    On creating change in the world:

    “The problems we face didn’t happen overnight and they won’t be solved tomorrow, but if we all work together, we can foster greater understanding, positive change and create a more peaceful world for ourselves, our children, our families and our communities.” — Michael Jordan (2016) The Undefeated

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    Deep Patel

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