You don't feel lazy or unmotivated because you're useless; it's because you're trapped in a system that's been designed. To break the deadlock, it's not about working harder but changing dimensions. The core is the five-stage wealth model:

**Stage 1: Stagnation (Stop the Bleeding)** — You're currently treading water in deep water; the more you struggle, the more you stay in place. The biggest trap: debt. Mortgages, car loans, consumer loans—these lock you in tightly. At this stage, don’t think about getting rich; just do one thing: stop the bleeding. Automate savings, figure out where every penny goes, and cut out unnecessary debts and social expenses. The goal: accumulate energy.

**Stage 2: Ignition (Overcome Gravity)** — When you start learning new skills or side businesses, you'll encounter the greatest gravitational pull: friends. Not because they are bad, but because your progress makes them uncomfortable, so they'll subconsciously pull you back: "What are you fussing over? Come drink." The key action during ignition: temporarily stay away from draining people, protect your energy.

**Stage 3: Acceleration (Three Fuels)** — Relying solely on saving money and investing isn’t enough. You need three fuels:
1. Cash flow — start with skills that can directly help others make money, because businesses are always willing to pay for profit.
2. Connections — bravely mingle in circles that are better than you. Even just sending a LinkedIn message counts as a connection.
3. Confidence — not something you think up, but something built by accomplishing small things.

**Stage 4: Expansion (Plant Trees)** — Understand assets and liabilities: money you constantly need to put in = liabilities; money that automatically fills your pockets = assets. The core during expansion: start planting trees. Invest in assets, projects, and models in your mind... plant trees that can automatically bear fruit.

**Stage 5: Mastery (Freedom)** — Money is no longer the goal but a tool. It’s used for inheritance, empowerment, and creating time freedom.

Final Three Questions for Action (write them down immediately and act on one):
- Which expenditures this month are for face-saving? Cut them.
- Which friends drain me every time we meet? Reduce contact.
- What skills do I have that I can sell tomorrow? Try it immediately.

Just doing one of these will start your engine.