Welcome reader! What a wild few days behind us in the crypto world. We want to congratulate everyone who made a profit from the coin the newly elected president launched - hope everyone got out at the right time and took their profits. Before going further. The requested portfolio article on how to approach investing (start with it) is ready and going out next week - giving you one less excuse for not following our blueprint. Today’s article? Normies and why they can’t win or see others win.
Somewhere In The Middle
Mainstream culture: The normies have been here for ages. What has happened over the last couple of years? Everyone has reached a point where it is impossible to be different or have a unique view. The counterargument to that would be calling someone a normie. Average. One who fits in with the masses. Someone who cannot possess anything unique or think with their head. Better said, the majority around you. No one can deny that normies are becoming more common as the gap between winners and losers grows. You will often hear the word "normies" because the general ability of people to pretend that everything normies push is normal or widely acceptable is on the decline. The trend won’t change any time soon. Look at what has been happening with DEI programs (source). Keep in mind this doesn’t necessarily mean that normies as such will disappear.
Reality check: We went through this weird phase over the last couple of years where everything and everyone could say something that didn’t make much sense in the first place - trying to be fair and political. Winning easy points and votes from the target group (normies). Being fair in every aspect of your life should always be encouraged. Unfortunately, being open and accepting of every change without first challenging (thinking) leads to suboptimal results. Results that do more than enough damage to the society in which we all live. This is one of the main reasons that calling someone a normie became an insult. At least, that is our version of it. If you want to tell someone, they are average without much going on or simply because you are tired of them accepting everything mass media pushes on them. Tell them they are normies. There are no readers who don’t understand why this is an insult... No one wants to be average.
Mid-Curve: The mid-curve itself has little to do with normies or an average. At the same time, it is a perfect representation when you think about it. Where are normies concentrated? In the middle. This symbolizes that they are nothing else but average. Normie = average. They share all the same characteristics and interests without having anything to show. There is nothing worse for yourself than having a unique or at least semi-unique approach to life. You should already be out of that category by reading this website. Please learn to respect yourself and your takes. The same applies to those who consider themselves average. This is a trap. You are not average and were never destined to become average. Having such a negative outlook and opinion about yourself is a lifestyle trap that should be avoided.
Normies always know it better: A common trait when dealing with normies is realizing they always know it better. No matter the topic. No matter your expertise. They know it better. Results? Your inability to win any argument with common sense. You could have 6 pack abs and 10% body fat, but someone who is 27% body fat and 60 pounds overweight will give you advice on how to train because they know it better than you do. You won’t be able to ignore this behavior pattern once you notice it. The funny (sad) part is that all those who know exactly what they should be doing in the first place to achieve the results they want are not doing it. This makes their knowledge completely irrelevant - a common trait among normies. Normies are good at pretending to be experts on various topics. Pretending? Everyone who knows specific details about something that improves lives but does not follow them is pretending - exactly what normies are. The problem with normies being the smartest? If you are always the smartest one in the room and unable to keep your mouth shut and listen to others speak. You will never be able to learn from them. This itself is a huge problem that should not be taken for granted. Last piece of advice? Suppose you find yourself in a situation where you end up in a discussion with a normie. There is only one answer to winning the argument. Smile, nod and agree.
Us Vs. Them: As mentioned in the futureproof your life post, the mass media is trying to put everyone in boxes. Once they successfully divided normies into categories - boxes. They use those same boxes to create a divide between people and unnecessary conflict. This causes further confusion among people and removes their minds from more important things in life: building wealth, taking care of your loved ones, and caring for your health - you name it. The biggest group of victims? You can only guess the answer. The mid-curve is the most manageable target group to manipulate and get something out. Normies. No surprises, considering normie standards are based on what others in the same group think. This removes the opportunity for independent thinking and the internal belief system from the equation. How can one achieve different results than others if they all think the same and believe someone is against them? Exceptional results require unconventional ways of thinking. If you are doing the same as everyone else. How do you expect to achieve different results than anyone else? This is something everyone should think about.
Things will get worse: The trend over the last decade has moved towards 90/10 in favor of normies. We bet things in the next decade will move even more to extremes. There are going to be more normies present. The biggest cause of this is social media. The reason is that exposure to it and certain content creates a specific value system. One that is not necessarily in your best interest. What happens when everyone has the same value system? They all turn into the average. That is why filtering your content and avoiding gurus is a must. Another great example most people can think of is clothes. It doesn’t take much to go to any semi-popular place and spend a few minutes realizing that each age group has the same clothing. Better said style they push. How can 20 random young people in the same room at the same place look the same - talking about the style combinations? All that is the result of social media, which pushes certain projects of what is expected of you. On top of that, add being constantly bombarded with new information. Leaving you with zero free time or willpower to think with your head or create a value system that will allow you to think for yourself… It is a big problem. No time to be different. No time to think about what is right and what is wrong. No time to create something that others won’t be able to do. Standing out from the crowd and being the only one in something (pioneer) rarely gets the attention it deserves. This applies to everything and has been shown as a thought in history. To wrap it up. Normie wave will accelerate as the future gets harder, the middle class gets destroyed, and there is a bigger gap between winners and losers. We all know that humans mimic those more successful than themselves - polarities on sides. This means that what was mentioned won't go out of fashion soon. What is there left to do? To bet on things that normies will never understand.
The masses do not like those who surpass them in any regard. The average man envies and hates those who are different. - Ludwig von Mises
What Normies Will Never Understand
Life is not fair: You don’t deserve a promotion. You don’t deserve to be in a social circle full of winners. You don’t deserve to have it easy. No matter what reason or excuse you have… You don’t deserve it. Unfortunately, life is not fair. Everyone with some common sense will be able to tell you that. Your spawn location and the cards you are dealt determine a lot. The internet has helped a lot in flattening the playing field - regarding money and connections. But it is still impossible to deny that someone born in New York and someone born in a random village in LatAm doesn’t have the same opportunities. Not getting into any other details or cards you could have been given - brought into a bad family, having a disability, or anything else of that nature. You should be thankful for the position you are in. Good parents and health? Even more so. The principles of fairness also apply to anything else - jobs, relationships, business, or any other areas that directly impact your life. No one is looking out for you. No one is going to give you anything. No one is coming to save you. Realize that life isn’t fair in that sense. Normies expect it to be, but it doesn’t work like that. You will have to be prepared to put in the effort and work required to achieve everything you will ever want to achieve. The last decade has been soft, and the results are showing. Everyone reading this should understand that you can only rely on a few people and that everything else wastes time. There are no handouts that will help you in that sense. Accept that you are the creator of your reality, and don’t expect anything from anyone.
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There is always more time: Never fall for this psyop. Time = most valuable asset. Meaning? Everything that can be done right now should be done as soon as possible. Normies will try to convince you otherwise. Don't worry about it today - leave it for tomorrow - common normie advice. In case you do listen to that advice. Over time, you will find yourself in a position where you always take care of the tasks that should have already been done. For those who work in a corporate environment and collaborate with an underperforming team member, you will often find yourself in a position where you manage their work on top of yours. Picking up the delays that should have been addressed in the first place. This is a solid example you want to avoid. Don’t leave tasks you can do today for tomorrow. No matter how small they seem or irrelevant… Do them today. What normies will never understand is that this causes positive momentum. Everyone knows those days when everything feels effortless, and you are just ticking things off the list. Priceless. That is what doing everything asap will allow you - to create momentum. This leads us to the next point…
Early life is all about maximum effort: It's hard to say how many times we have repeated this since the start of this website. Two approaches regarding early life are being spread on the internet - both are on different sides of the spectrum. 1) Take it easy, and 2) Put in maximum effort. You already know our thoughts about it. The younger you are reading this website. The luckier you should feel. Why? There are zero reasons you won't win in life if you follow the principles outlined. The 20s are not just the best time of your life. The 20s are the best time to put in maximum effort. Energy + free time. What more do you want for success? That is the perfect combination to put in the hours of work and achieve big things. Follow risk management and build a foundation. What will normies do? Get drunk every weekend and do a ridiculous amount of drugs. While trying to psyop you into believing that you have time and that everything can be achieved after your 30s. That is true. However, it excludes multiple factors directly impacting your health, family, and career position. Does that mean you should become anti-social and forget about everything? No. It means you understand that you are better off putting in maximum effort early to live a stress-free life after your 30s - leveraging energy, free time, adaptability, and momentum. Going out on weekends and working on your social skills should also be part of your plan. Conclusion? Balance between the two. Don't take time for granted. Understand that you are better off using that excess energy and your youth to achieve what others will try to accomplish once they reach midlife. Based on 2020 data, the average age of startup founder-entrepreneurs is 42. Imagine what kind of advantage those who start early have. You are encouraged to have fun and take it easy for a day to clear your head. But wasting years "finding yourself" and watching Netflix should be avoided - leave it for normies.
Basic math: If you go outside right now - find 10 strangers and ask them the most basic math question about interest or taking a loan and how the annual interest rate affects you. The reality is that most people would not know or would end up giving you the wrong answer. This is not only worrying. It is dangerous. That is one of the reasons why so many young people are destroying their lives and setting themselves up for mediocrity, falling into a long-term mediocre lifestyle. Having $200k liquid and getting into multiple-year debt to buy real estate? It is not a good option and should not be encouraged. It is basic math. You will pay 1.5 - 2x the original price if you don't calculate the risks correctly. The same applies to any debt that was used to buy material items. The only two times you should get into debt are 1) to make more money and 2) to buy living space (not on a 30-year mortgage with $200k NW). Interest, the value of money, and budgeting (removing risk) are all basic principles that anyone over 20 should understand - still, most don’t.
No accountability - playing dumb: Those who work in bigger environments know our point here. Over the last few years, the number of people playing dumb for the most banal things has gotten out of hand. Years ago, everyone used to do it for things that matter (ROI+). Today? You are in a position where 80% of normies have zero accountability or are playing dumb all the time. Why is that trend happening? Because it is by far one of the easiest ways to remove any form of accountability from yourself. Who did X? No idea. Who is responsible for that? No idea. No accountability = no problems. Life on easy mode - at least what the normies think. Another typical example of zero accountability? How many times have you heard something along the lines: "From next month, I am going ______________ (insert something)." Half a year later… Those same individuals are still trying to convince themselves they will follow through. You won't achieve much if you are not true to yourself and your word. Neither do you have anyone's respect if you are constantly operating in playing dumb mode.
Long-term thinking: Nothing tells the world someone is a normie more than not being able to understand that every move you make on a short-term basis has a long-term impact. Great example? Getting a place to live is something that everyone should strive for, but what no one should strive for is getting into 40 years of debt. Back to the basic math point above. Making bonuses for bankers and setting yourself up for mediocrity in the long run. This is one of the most obvious examples that everyone has experienced or knows someone close to them who did it. The same applies to low-quality food that impacts your health or avoiding working out while replacing that time with watching Netflix. They are all examples of short-term thinking that won’t get you anywhere in the long run. Everything worth having or building towards requires time. The average person doesn’t think that way because it requires a big vision that not many possess.
Conspiracy theories: Zero reasons for us to even go further with this. A basic example of someone being an average - normie is how easily they get involved in conspiracy theories. Better said how they pay attention to the stuff that they can’t influence or confirm in the first place. Our goal here is not to discuss whether something is right or wrong. Our point is that the chances of the average person actually knowing if large-scale ops are being done on the general population are close to zero. A big connection exists between being easily manipulated into believing something and being a normie. It reflects your internal system and how easily you are manipulated into believing things. What they are unable to understand is that everyone is pushing their narrative. Not realizing that half of those theories are funnels into something. The reason conspiracy theories are so popular with normies? They are all based on the us vs. them principles already mentioned above. It is a powerful mechanism to target those who don’t know they are being targeted.
Unable to accept unconventional knowledge: Where is the proof? Nothing gets normies going as when someone delivers a bold claim without proof. Yes, the evidence/science behind any claim are crucial and can’t be denied. At the same time, there are cases when there are things that simply work but can't be proven - similar to the concepts described in how to reinvent yourself. One of the reasons why Huberman became popular over the last few years is that he took all the available studies and started segmenting them in a presentable way. Doing a solid job with perfect targeting. Normies love the studies - not because there is valuable information inside them. But because they can prove to others that they are right and someone else is wrong. This leads us to the fact that normies cannot accept anything that has no proof behind it. How do you expect to explain to someone who won’t accept anything without written evidence that it works? There is a massive dataset of unconventional knowledge that cannot be put on paper since it is impossible to provide scientific proof that it works. Yet, you will have multiple examples of people who have been successful across different areas of life, claiming that it works. This is deeply connected to the ego, as being unable to believe in something without seeing scientific proof is nothing else but a form of cope.
Sports is life: How often have you heard: "I can't believe my team lost yesterday's game. My whole weekend sucks now." Does LeBron know who you are? Does Kelce know who you are? Do they bring any value to your life? The answer will be "No" for all three in 98% of the cases. Getting emotionally involved in things such as sports never made much sense. Even less so when we talk about team sports where you could have an entire team giving 60% except for one individual giving 100% and carrying everyone else. Watching sports as a hobby is not bad. Are you having a bad weekend or feeling depressed because your team didn’t win? Leave that to the normies. Your energy should be spent on the people and things that improve your life, not on those who have never heard about you. "Bread and circus" is a real thing and one of the reasons why we have so many mediocre performers.
All I knew is that I never wanted to be average. - Michael Jordan
Building meaningful relationships: The average individual in the past decade cannot form a relationship that is not transactional. What does that mean? Everything that is done is done to get something out of it. This makes sense if you want to get a job or land a deal. When doesn’t it make sense? When you start approaching every relationship with a transactional goal in mind. What is there for me? This is a guaranteed way for you to be unable to connect with people on a deeper level and form real relationships. It works for a few months until people realize your game and see through it. You want to be able to count on those connections when something needs to be done. This has lost meaning over the decade and will continue to do so. Social skills are on the decline, humans will communicate less, and you want a social circle you can count on.
Inability to see others win: We intentionally left this one for the end. Successful individuals want to see others win. When you have a setup in place, and things are going well for you… You don’t care. You are winning, and you want to see others win. Life itself and everything around us work on those same principles. When you want it for others and want to see others win. That is the only way you will be able to get it yourself. The normies do not understand this basic life principle. Neither do they believe in it. They don’t care about the others. Neither do they want to see others win. Why would they win if I am not winning? Me, me, and a bit more of me. This is a normies pattern that you should realize by reading this post. The inability to see others is the reason why they are not winning in the first place. You don’t want to see others win or do better? You will never win yourself.
Disclaimer: None of this is to be legal or financial advice of any kind.
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This was a great read. Thanks for the game as always.