Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of personal growth over confrontation, suggesting that stubbornness and a refusal to accept feedback can lead to missed opportunities and stagnation in both personal and professional life [3][47]. Group 1: Personal Growth and Stubbornness - A case study is presented about a founder who ignored team feedback and market signals, leading to project failure and ultimately becoming a laughingstock in the entrepreneurial community [3][4]. - The article discusses the concept of "self-serving bias," where individuals prioritize winning arguments over meaningful discussions, resulting in personal and professional setbacks [10][12]. - The narrative includes a story about a successful professor who learned to embrace opposing viewpoints, which led to significant career advancements [15][17]. Group 2: Communication and Relationships - The article highlights the detrimental effects of habitual rebuttal on relationships, suggesting that every argument can cost valuable connections and opportunities [25][26]. - A story about a truck salesman illustrates how refraining from confrontation and acknowledging customer concerns can lead to increased sales and better relationships [28][30]. - The importance of humility and openness in communication is stressed, with the idea that acknowledging one's limitations can lead to greater success and wealth [42][47]. Group 3: Acceptance and Learning - The article uses the metaphor of an eagle and a vulture to illustrate how rejecting advice can lead to stagnation, while acceptance of one's ignorance can open new paths [33][37]. - A historical example of a calligrapher who improved through accepting criticism is provided, reinforcing the idea that arrogance can hinder progress [38][41]. - The conclusion reiterates that personal growth comes from being open to learning and accepting feedback, which is essential for achieving success and wealth [46][47].

Core Insights - The article discusses the concept of "self-rewarding personality," emphasizing the importance of self-reward as a means of maintaining motivation and achieving goals in a challenging social environment [4][7]. Group 1: Self-Rewarding Personality - Self-rewarding personality is characterized by the tendency to motivate oneself through rewards, whether for small tasks or significant achievements [4]. - The article highlights a cultural difference in self-rewarding behaviors, noting that East Asian individuals often do not celebrate personal achievements due to cultural norms that emphasize humility and collective success [8][9]. - Research indicates that East Asian individuals tend to focus on self-improvement rather than self-enhancement, making it difficult for them to feel deserving of self-rewards [10]. Group 2: Psychological Mechanisms - The reliance on external rewards can lead to a decline in intrinsic motivation, a phenomenon known as the "overjustification effect," where external incentives diminish the enjoyment of an activity [14][15]. - Self-rewarding can transform the perception of tasks from "must-do" to "choose-to-do," enhancing intrinsic motivation and personal agency [17][19]. - The brain's reward circuitry, particularly involving dopamine, plays a crucial role in how rewards influence behavior and emotional states, suggesting that self-rewards can help manage stress and improve psychological resilience [20][22]. Group 3: Effective Self-Reward Strategies - The article suggests that self-rewards should focus on the effort and process rather than just the outcomes, promoting a healthier mindset towards achievements [25][27]. - Immediate rewards following small victories are emphasized as crucial for reinforcing positive behavior and maintaining motivation [29][32]. - A tiered reward system is recommended, where the scale of rewards matches the effort put in, ensuring that individuals remain motivated over the long term [37].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of personal growth over confrontation, suggesting that stubbornness and a refusal to accept feedback can lead to missed opportunities and stagnation in both personal and professional life [4][7][71]. Group 1 - A case study is presented about a founder who ignored team and market feedback, leading to project failure and becoming a laughingstock in the community [4][7]. - The article discusses the concept of "self-serving bias," where individuals prioritize winning arguments over meaningful discussions, ultimately leading to personal and professional setbacks [15][17]. - The narrative includes examples of individuals who, by being open to feedback and criticism, were able to grow and succeed, contrasting with those who remained rigid and defensive [22][66]. Group 2 - The article highlights the negative impact of habitual rebuttal on relationships and opportunities, suggesting that such behavior can alienate others and hinder collaboration [35][36]. - It recounts a story of a truck salesman who learned to listen and acknowledge customer concerns, resulting in increased sales and better relationships [38][42]. - The importance of humility and self-reflection is stressed, indicating that those who are open to learning and accepting their limitations are more likely to achieve success and wealth [66][70].