"Standing on the wind's edge, even a pig can fly."
— Lei Jun
When we complain about not having money, it's worth reflecting on how many wealth-building opportunities we’ve encountered—and missed—along the way.
I still remember visiting the first internet café in my city. It wasn’t even called an internet café back then; it was an "Internet club." While a meal cost just one yuan, an hour online cost 16 yuan—with painfully slow dial-up speeds.
Like many others, I saved up just to browse aimlessly, with no clear purpose or vision. It’s a common experience: being present at the birth of something transformative, yet failing to recognize its potential.
I was also an early user of Taobao and Alipay. I even ran a small business selling mobile phones offline. But when e-commerce emerged, I didn’t adapt. Instead, my small venture faded away.
Looking back, I—like many others—missed these opportunities due to three key reasons:
Lack of Imagination
I failed to recognize that emerging industries often carry extraordinary potential. Without continuous learning and curiosity, it’s easy to become self-satisfied, closed-off, or simply numb to what’s happening around us.
Many of the most successful people started with nothing but a willingness to explore the new and unknown.
Lack of Execution
A close friend repeatedly told me how profitable Taobao was becoming. We discussed it many times—but neither of us took real action.
It’s one thing to talk about an idea; it’s another to act on it. Execution is what separates dreamers from achievers.
Lack of Initial Capital
There’s some truth to the old saying, "Money is the courage of heroes." When you have very little, it’s natural to feel limited.
But many success stories began with very little. Jiang Zhuo’er, a well-known figure in the crypto space, started by borrowing money to buy two graphics cards for mining. He and a friend entered the market on the same day—that friend later became a major influencer.
What these stories show is that those who succeeded in the internet and e-commerce booms weren’t necessarily geniuses. They just took action.
- Ma Huateng adapted ICQ into OICQ (later QQ), faced legal challenges, and nearly sold the company—but persisted until internet adoption exploded.
- Jack Ma took inspiration from eBay, offered three years of free store openings, and eventually built Alibaba into an empire.
- Lei Jun started with office software and later founded Xiaomi, focusing on user experience and emotional connection.
- Zhou Hongyi, founder of 360 Security, initially distributed adware—but then pivoted to become the "adware terminator," earning his first hundred million by solving a problem he helped create.
These stories might seem distant, but everyday examples hit closer to home.
Around 2012, I met an unassuming woman in a small county who ran a Crown-level Taobao store. Her annual revenue was in the tens of millions. I was stunned—and forced to ask myself: What am I doing? Why aren’t I doing anything?
Fortunately, I did manage to catch the real estate wave. I bought several properties, encouraged relatives to do the same, and learned extensively about loans, credit, and market timing. Real estate became—and remains—a key part of my investment strategy.
That experience taught me a crucial lesson:
Saving is a virtue—but saving alone will not make you rich.
You must actively seek opportunity, cultivate imagination, and take deliberate action.
So what’s next?
We’re surrounded by new technologies: 5G, autonomous driving, nuclear energy, blockchain, IoT. As ordinary people, which can we actually participate in?
Perhaps only 5G and blockchain are within reach—and for most, only Bitcoin offers a tangible entry point.
The Good News: We Haven’t Fully Missed Bitcoin Yet
Bitcoin requires something many of us still lack: imagination.
The Winklevoss twins—who own an estimated 1% of all Bitcoin in circulation—believe Bitcoin could reach $320,000. They argue that those who dismiss it simply “lack imagination.”
They see a future where machines transact with machines—where autonomous vehicles pay each other for services or data, using cryptocurrencies as a medium of exchange.
Yet, many people still judge Bitcoin based on outdated models or oversimplified media narratives. I once had a long debate with a stockbroker friend who tried to “save me” from Bitcoin. His arguments were based on headlines, not research.
It reminds me of the early days of 4G. People feared that faster internet would lead to bill shock. Few imagined a world where ride-hailing, live streaming, and mobile payments would become everyday necessities.
With 5G, we’re stepping into another transformative era. Autonomous logistics, machine-to-machine economies, and decentralized networks could become reality—and cryptocurrencies may play a critical role in enabling these systems.
Central banks are already exploring digital currencies. Blockchain is shifting from fringe to foundational.
Holding even a small amount of Bitcoin or other promising cryptocurrencies today could be compared to holding early shares in Tencent or Alibaba. You’re not just speculating—you’re investing in a new layer of digital infrastructure.
No one knows exactly how it will unfold. But if you stay curious, keep learning, and remain open-minded, you may just catch the next wave.
Of course, opportunity favors those who are prepared. The more you strengthen your financial foundation, the more capable you are of acting when the moment comes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main reason people miss major opportunities?
Most people miss opportunities due to a lack of imagination, execution, or initial capital. Often, it’s a combination of underestimating new trends and failing to act in time.
How can I avoid missing the next big trend?
Stay curious, commit to lifelong learning, and be willing to take calculated risks. Start small if needed—but start.
Is it too late to invest in Bitcoin?
Many analysts believe Bitcoin is still in its early stages. While it has grown significantly, its potential use cases in machine-to-machine transactions and digital stores of value are still expanding.
What role will blockchain play in the 5G era?
5G will enable faster and more reliable connectivity, which can support blockchain applications in IoT, smart contracts, and automated systems requiring secure and transparent transactions.
How much money do I need to start investing?
You can start with very little. Many platforms allow you to begin with small amounts. The key is to begin, stay consistent, and keep learning.
Should I invest in cryptocurrencies or traditional assets?
A balanced portfolio often includes both. Traditional assets offer stability, while cryptocurrencies offer growth potential—but with higher volatility. Always do your own research and consider your risk tolerance.