We often find ourselves trapped in a cycle of "intended actions": intending to attend a lecture but wasting time on WeChat; intending to graduate successfully but neglecting studies for romance; intending to study quietly but succumbing to entertainment, wasting precious time. We feel self-reproach and shame, yet we find ourselves repeatedly drawn back to distractions.
In our youth, we believe we will achieve success, stability, and prosperity by our thirties. However, reality often differs, and many find themselves feeling unaccomplished even as they reach middle age.
Why do most people fail to reach their goals? I would like to explain this using the "Triangle Theorem." Suppose our current position is Point A, and our goal is Point C. Between them lies Point B—a nexus of countless temptations such as gaming, entertainment, and mindless social media. These distractions inhabit every corner of our lives, preventing us from moving directly from A to C. The reason only a small percentage of people succeed is that they can resist the temptation of Point B and head straight for Point C, while most choose the detour to B, even knowing their true goal lies at C.
The ability to resist Point B and run toward Point C is what we call "execution power." I once went to the library to study professional knowledge, but I became so absorbed in a psychology book that I lost track of time, only realizing upon leaving that I hadn't mastered my original subject. Such interruptions by "Point B" are common in our daily lives.
The path from A to C is not smooth; it is filled with thorns. In contrast, the paths from A to B or B to C may seem easy, but after one B-point, there will be B2, B3, and B4 waiting. If we spend our lives wandering through these easy detours, we may find ourselves old and full of regret by the time we realize we have missed Point C.
Therefore, we must take time for solitude and reflection. When in a bad state, we should adjust our environment and mindset to find a fresh start. I use the "3W" method to understand myself: Who am I? What do I want and what am I doing now? And How can I achieve my goals? The problem usually lies in the third step: How. Once we list the tasks required to reach our goal, can we actually complete them instead of engaging in distractions like gaming or scrolling through social media?
This simple triangle formed by points A, B, and C contains a profound truth, which I call the "Triangle Theorem of Life." I hope this helps those feeling lost, and may we all follow our plans strictly and run from Point A to Point C.
