This quote essentially describes a strategy for success that prioritizes consistency over extremes. The speaker is saying they are willing to give away the initial and final stages of any endeavor, as long as they can control and benefit from the substantial middle portion. This is a metaphor for not seeking to capitalize on the volatile, unpredictable parts of a situation (the bottom and top 10%), but instead focusing on the stable, predictable, and often most productive part (the middle 80%).
In terms of investing, for example, this could mean not worrying about getting in at the very bottom of a market or selling at the very top, but rather focusing on the consistent gains made in the middle. It’s a strategy that values steady growth over risky maneuvers.
Applying this concept to today’s world, it could refer to various aspects of life, including career development, personal growth, or even social media strategy. For instance, in a career, instead of focusing on the initial excitement of a new job (bottom 10%) or the ultimate goal of reaching a high-ranking position (top 10%), one could focus on the middle 80%: the day-to-day tasks, steady skill development, and relationship building that leads to consistent progress and success.
In personal development, it could mean not getting too caught up in the initial enthusiasm of a new habit or the final goal, but rather concentrating on the consistent practice and gradual improvement. It’s about valuing the journey and the process, rather than just the start and end points.
In a social media context, instead of chasing viral hits (top 10%) or getting bogged down by initial lack of engagement (bottom 10%), focusing on consistently producing quality content and gradually growing an engaged audience could be the middle 80%.
This quote is about the wisdom of patience, consistency, and appreciating the value in the journey, not just the destination. It encourages us to recognize that real, lasting success often comes from steady, ongoing efforts, rather than fleeting moments of extreme highs or lows.