Recently, I’ve been pondering a question: why do some people, no matter how hard they try, seem unable to break through their own difficulties? I’ve observed for a long time and found that the obstacles faced by people at the bottom of society are far more complex than they appear.

First, there’s the influence of the family of origin. This may be the hardest barrier to overcome. Your parents are like your starting point, but they often become your ceiling. I’ve noticed a phenomenon: many parents achieve little themselves but are eloquent when teaching their children, yet the children just don’t listen. Actually, children aren’t truly rebellious; they’re unconsciously imitating their parents’ way of life. Whatever the parents do, the children do the same. This isn’t simply a genetic issue but a transmission of social genes—parents’ ways of thinking, problem-solving logic, and worldview are passed invisibly to the next generation.

Compulsory education changed this pattern, at least to some extent breaking this cycle of fate. But honestly, only a few can truly turn their lives around. Most, after leaving their families, find themselves in another predicament—the stratification of social classes that are homogeneous within. The people around you are similar to you; everyone’s horizons, resources, and opportunities are alike. To break through, you need to jump out of this circle. But the problem is, those at the bottom of society have the fewest resources, the worst conditions, making it the hardest to climb up.

Then there’s the shackling of consumer mindset. Both the poor and the rich buy luxury goods; the difference is that the rich buy with capital income, while the poor buy with blood, sweat, and tears. After buying, the poor seem to become richer, but it’s followed by debt crises. Every month, wages go toward debt repayment, then loans are taken out again, falling into a vicious cycle. Truly wealthy people’s consumption logic is completely different—they buy things that appreciate in value, like real estate, watches, or gold. Their money doesn’t really get spent; it grows.

It sounds simple—just don’t consume, right? But in reality, for the truly poor, this is almost impossible. You know you should save to buy assets, but your income isn’t enough to save. How do you save? Borrow? With low credit scores, banks either won’t lend to you or charge sky-high interest. So many people, knowing their current lifestyle is narrowing, still keep going down this path. This might be one of the most frustrating things in the world.

There’s also a deeper issue: learned helplessness. If someone is in a state of long-term lack of choices, their brain gradually believes nothing can change the situation. Even if opportunities arise, they won’t take action. This state, when severe, can lead to lowered immunity and even depression. Conversely, when a person has many options, they feel a strong sense of control and tend to stay proactive.

I’ve found that the biggest difference between strong people and the poor is here. Most ordinary people accept a sense of resignation about life, thinking “it is what it is, just get by.” But the more capable people can do more; the poorer they are, the fewer things they can do. Lack of resources means less action, everything becomes more difficult, and confidence takes a big hit.

So what can be done? My suggestion is that young people should start building something of their own. It could be social media, short videos, or even more complex projects. The key is shifting from being a consumer to being a producer. Because producers are the big brothers, consumers are the poor. If you keep being a consumer, playing others’ games, eating what others cook, you’ll stay stuck in the pit forever. You need to make others consume your stuff.

I have a fan who recently messaged me saying he has no particular strengths and has been a “leek” (loser) in cryptocurrency investing. I suggested he try becoming a Twitter influencer. He took the advice, and I guided him step-by-step. Now his follower base is starting to grow steadily. He finally knows what to do in his spare time, and this could very well become his second career.

Now, spending time is also a form of consumption. If you spend time on other people’s games or apps, you’re contributing value there. But if you can create something that makes others spend their time on your stuff, the situation completely reverses.

The difficulties faced by those at the bottom of society are very real; they can’t be solved by simple mindset changes alone. But one thing I’m certain of is that the small decisions you make now could completely change your life in five years. Many people have never succeeded and think they can’t do it. But if you do nothing at all, believing you can’t make it, that’s truly a psychological problem.

So, if you have time, do something. It doesn’t have to be highly profitable, unique, or an overnight success. Just start seriously. In three or five years, you’ll look back and realize that those small decisions actually changed your life forever.