Why Most People Stay in the "Safe Zone" of Average
We live in a world obsessed with the "good enough." A salary that's "decent." Results that are "acceptable." A life that's "not bad." But have you ever wondered: is playing it "safe" actually safe? Or is it silently stealing away the extraordinary opportunities you've never dared to imagine?
When Science Explains the Ordinary
In the 18th century, mathematician Abraham de Moivre made a fascinating discovery: across countless trials, results consistently cluster around a central point, forming what we now call the bell curve or normal distribution.
From human height to body temperature, from test scores to daily commute times - almost everything follows this pattern: the majority huddles in the middle, while the exceptional exists only at the extremes.
We've internalized this as gospel truth: blending in with the crowd is the safest bet. Then we wonder why breakthrough moments feel so elusive.
But here's the reality check: average is nothing more than a statistical illusion.
Breaking Free from the "Common Ground" with 80/20 Thinking
In the late 19th century, economist Vilfredo Pareto observed something remarkable: 80% of Italy's land belonged to just 20% of the population. He called this asymmetric distribution. Today, this principle appears everywhere:
- 80% of results come from 20% of efforts
- 90% of revenue comes from 10% of customers
- 99% of internet traffic flows to 1% of websites
The implication is profound: instead of spreading resources thin, focus intensely on the 20% that generates 80% of value. To achieve better results, you don't necessarily need more effort - you need smarter strategy. From the outside, people call this a "lucky break."
The Pareto Principle in Real Life
In marketing: One meticulously personalized email can outperform thousands of mass-sent messages by orders of magnitude.
In networking: A single meaningful conversation with the right person can unlock more opportunities than a year of superficial networking events.
In business: As legendary investor Paul Graham once said: "No startup has ever regretted taking exceptional care of their first customers."
In relationships: A handful of people who truly listen and show up when it matters are worth more than hundreds of casual acquaintances.
Those Who Dare to Choose the "Extreme"
In 2015, when Duong Do launched Toong, skepticism was everywhere: "Does Vietnam really need coworking spaces?" If you'd surveyed the market then, 99% would probably have said no.
But he recognized something the majority couldn't see: there's a fundamental human need for spaces that don't just facilitate work or meetings, but transform mindsets, spark creativity, and forge meaningful connections.
"If you keep chasing existing demand, you'll forever be a follower," he shared. "I chose to be a pioneer - to awaken needs that customers couldn't even articulate yet."
Eight months to convince Hanoi. Five weeks to fill the first Ho Chi Minh City location. Since then, Toong has evolved into a pioneering co-working chain with nearly 20 locations domestically and internationally - not just serving customers, but nurturing the very "20% of difference-makers" who create new value for entire communities.
When "Luck" Meets Preparation
Instead of asking what the majority wants, invest in what few can see but will create exceptional value.
"Average" or "breakthrough," "safe" or "bold" - ultimately, these are conscious choices. When you dare to bet on what matters most, when you concentrate all resources on the critical 20%, results will exceed every expectation.
From the outside, people call it "luck."
In reality, it's simply the moment when opportunity meets preparation.
"Then when luck comes, you are ready." - Ernest Hemingway
Editor: Bùi Bích Trà My, Nguyễn Thạch Thảo
