How to Make 10 Million Dollars!

In 1985, Jim Carrey was a struggling actor. He wrote himself a check for $10 million, dated Thanksgiving 1995.

In 1994, he earned $10 million for his role in "Dumb and Dumber," just hitting his goal.

Carrey shared in an interview that this wasn't magic "dream come true," but a reminder to pursue higher-value roles and opportunities, rather than small-scale efforts.

The day before yesterday, I heard a story from a friend about his father: many years ago, villagers all went to do odd jobs, but his father never did. He figured out how to grow mushrooms, and later developed a supply chain. He was also the only one who took naps. -- He knew to pursue high-value work and to cherish himself.

Sullivan uses the "check" or "future income plan" as a tool within the "Strategic Coach" system. He believes that doubling growth depends on "more effort," but achieving tenfold growth requires "being different."

The reason why the "Dream Check" is effective is because:

1. Value Reconstruction: From "Price Thinking" to "Irreplaceability"

When you write down an "absurd" number (for example, annual income from 1 million to 10 million), the existing business model immediately becomes invalid.

This forces you to abandon low-value, homogeneous red ocean competition, and instead seek transformative, unique problems to solve.

2. Capability Upgrade: Focus on "Unique Talent"

To support tenfold value, you must cut back on 80% of mediocre tasks, or even eliminate them altogether.

If your current level is "professional," then supporting ten times that level must be "world-class" or "rule-maker." This gap creates a huge psychological pull, making you clear on what to learn next and who to connect with.

Peter Thiel believes competition is a game for losers; it destroys profit and innovation. Successful companies should build "creative monopolies"—through proprietary technology or unique positioning, becoming irreplaceable, and creating products that are 10 times better than competitors.

Thiel advocates "Clear Optimism"—having a concrete plan for the future, rather than vague "luck reliance." Founders should focus on "the most important advantage" (such as a unique culture or sales capability), starting with small monopolies, occupying niche markets, then expanding.

He practices what he preaches. Based on PayPal's anti-fraud system experience, Thiel founded Palantir, focusing on proprietary "10x better" technology, providing unmatched value through exclusive AI.

Let's step back from Hollywood and Silicon Valley legends.

Once, at a signing event, a friend seriously said to me: Lao Yu, why do you do such low-value work?

In fact, I’ve never been fond of appearing busy all the time or billing by the second. But his criticism touched me: what is truly high-value work for me?

My mother often says: "Respect your benefactors."

Unfortunately, we are often undervalued by ourselves and others.

Not everyone’s check needs to be written for 10 million, and it might have nothing to do with money.

However, you and I might as well write down an ambition unrelated to others. — Lao Yu

This article made me pause and reflect. Over the past two years, I’ve done too many low-value things, worked very hard, yet haven't seen the results from my previous cycle, when I was almost mostly playing! #web3