There's a saying that hits especially hard: for most people, their plan to turn things around actually dies at the very first step of execution.

Recently, I've read quite a few discussions about wealth accumulation, and it suddenly reminded me of a logic that many overlook — the path that can truly change your fate isn't that complicated. The core is just three things: save money, get stronger, wait for opportunities.

It sounds a bit boring and simple, but think about it carefully — this is precisely the fundamental rule that is most vulnerable to being broken and also the easiest to follow.

**Step 1: Actually save up money**

This isn't nonsense. Many people earn quite a bit, yet end up empty-handed in the end. The reason is simple — they never spend less than they earn.

Don't buy unnecessary things, don't overspend and borrow against the future, and avoid falling into the trap of "being carefree now and working hard later." It sounds easy to say, but the hardest to do.

What truly changes fate is often that initial principal saved early on. Especially the first $100,000 — for ordinary people, it's more valuable than any investment skill. Why? Because this money represents more than just a number; it proves you have the ability to control desires and stick to your plan.

The biggest taboo at this stage is expecting a quick profit to change your life. People with that mindset often miss opportunities because of their attitude when they finally arrive.

**Step 2: Continuously improve yourself so that your abilities match your luck**

There's an interesting phenomenon: money never flows long-term to those who are lucky; it always flows to those with real skills.

Spend a little time each day doing these:
- Gain new knowledge, keep up with market trends
- Hone your truly skilled abilities
- Build your own competitive barriers

It still sounds like old advice, but the difference lies in execution. The scarcer the problem you can solve and the higher your skill barriers, the easier it is for good opportunities to find you proactively.

This is especially true in the crypto market. Those who persist in learning during bear markets and analyze calmly during bull markets often seize real opportunities. The problem with most people is precisely: they want to buy the dip without preparation, chase trends without understanding.

**Step 3: Real big money comes from patience, not trading**

Once you find truly high-quality assets or opportunities: understand them, can withstand the fluctuations, and have confidence in holding long-term — then don’t sell easily.

Frequent trading, leverage, chasing hot topics — it looks lively, but in reality, it’s constantly consuming your principal and mental state. The intraday volatility in crypto can be huge, but true wealth accumulation has never been in those short-term fluctuations.

Compound interest + time is the fairest and most powerful weapon for ordinary people. Earning 5% more in a year versus 50% more — over the long term, the difference isn’t huge. But someone who persists for 10 years versus someone who can’t hold on for 2 years — the results are worlds apart.

Munger repeatedly emphasized: big money isn’t made through buying and selling, but through slow accumulation during waiting periods. This also applies to crypto investors.

**A summary for myself**

There are no shortcuts in these three steps:
👉 Save diligently to accumulate the first pot of gold → Persistently improve your abilities → Finally, patiently wait for and seize real opportunities

No shortcuts, no gambling on luck, no falling for illusions of quick wealth. Time will ultimately give a proper answer to those who are steady. Want to truly turn things around by 2026? Starting now, you must follow this logic.