Just last Sunday evening, I was invited to an old European-style villa in the Wutong district, where I gave a down-to-earth talk on classical Chinese wisdom to a gathering of traditionally defined “high-net-worth” individuals. We discussed Feng Shui, Chinese metaphysics, Chi fortune (气运), and more — and I had the pleasure of meeting many new faces.
But none of that is what compelled me to write this article.
What truly moved me to share was a spontaneous speech I gave that evening.
Relax — accept the fact that you haven’t done well.
Then, put all your energy into solving the actual work problems.
From there, here are the things you need to do:
Gather all the weaknesses you already know about, work to improve them, and make sure you don’t repeat mistakes you’re already aware of. Humbly ask your supervisor where else you’re falling short. Whatever your supervisor teaches you, write it down. Having it in writing means you’ll remember it accurately when you review it later — and if anything is unclear, you can ask your supervisor to confirm you’ve understood correctly. Anything that helps your performance should also be documented, so you can refer back to it when you review your progress later. Once you’ve gone through these steps, your supervisor will see that you’re willing to learn and willing to put in the effort — and they’ll feel their time teaching you hasn’t been wasted.
Don’t be afraid, don’t be shaken, don’t rush. 🤗 Just keep walking the honest path — steady and deliberate — and never stop putting distance between yourself and the negative, the dark, the corrupt people and things of this world.
Keep walking. You will, without fail, arrive at a place where years of quiet effort finally burst into bloom — where every bitter season gives way to sweetness.
Life, in a very real sense, is always in balance.
Many people who seek consultations tell me that their direct supervisor plays favorites. Leaders are human too — and humans come with subjective feelings.
If their way of doing things runs counter to yours, the two of you simply won’t click.
He has an inexplicable aversion to people taller than himself — you’re 185cm, so you get the cold shoulder.
She’s envious of your looks, so she treats you like a thorn in her side.
Master Chi’s Response
This time I’ve written out a 3–4 hours-per-day study plan designed for those with full-time jobs or daytime classes.
❗This plan is for reference only — there’s no need to follow it rigidly.
For real results, every minute of study needs to count. Don’t rush through a passage just to stay on schedule when you haven’t actually read or listened carefully.
That said, this plan assumes you’ve already memorized at least 80% of the vocabulary. If you haven’t ✅, I’d recommend spending 1–2 months on vocabulary first — otherwise, your listening and reading will both hit a wall at basic words.
Last weekend, I had dinner with a group of brothers from Jiangsu, along the banks of the Huangpu River.
This has been a time-honored ritual among our small circle — most of them are old connections from the years when my family was in real estate.
Though we’ve all since moved into different fields — some forging excellent local ties and making a fortune in those earlier years, others pivoting to industry and riding the wave to grow their companies — the bond between us has never wavered.
From where things stand, the broader environment still needs some time to warm up. But that leaves us — those living within it — feeling a bit suffocated, with something quietly pressing down on the chest.
That’s what mental exhaustion feels like.
Because I feel it too, just like you.
So what should we do? Act like those who’ve given up — spending their days in a rage, lashing out and insulting others? Or simply abandon all effort and ambition altogether?
If you’ve been feeling like you can’t muster any energy lately — growing increasingly indifferent to things that once mattered, maybe even sinking into a thick fog of resignation and self-defeat — stop putting this off. This is a serious problem.
It works like an invisible black hole, pulling your state of being steadily downward, causing you to miss out on the wealth, fortune, blessings, and joy that could rightfully be yours.
★ —
Three years ago, a young woman named Xiao Y came to me on a friend’s recommendation, seeking an analysis of her life pattern and guidance for her future path.
She had made up her mind with great resolve, preparing her materials and the customary red envelope before booking her appointment.
I still remember clearly: before I began explaining her destiny chart, she was visibly anxious — she simply didn’t know what truths would be waiting for her once the veil was lifted.
In the quiet of the late night, this is the best time for an honest conversation.
I know exactly why you clicked on this article. It’s because lately you’ve been feeling drained, anxious, and lost.
And in your daily life recently, you’ve surely been running into one obstacle after another — unexpected setbacks, people dismissing you, misunderstandings piling up.
I understand, my dear friends. All of it.
So I sincerely hope you’ll take a moment to really read what comes next: