# 你以為需要準備的，其實很多都不重要 | Leon Huang | TEDxNDHU Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR3oRv5_6RM Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/jR3oRv5_6RM Generated: 2026-02-13T17:08:25.325+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The speaker argues that many things people obsessively prepare for, like academic achievements or standardized tests, are less important than actively pursuing what they truly value, emphasizing that action should be the starting point for realizing one's ideal future rather than a prerequisite for it. **Key Points:** - The speaker, Leon Huang, initially focused on preparing for highly selective goals like Minerva University, spending significant time studying and preparing application materials. - After being rejected by Minerva, the speaker adopted the mindset of "Didn't get in, so what?" and realized that the preparation itself (like studying for the GRE) yielded immense benefits, even without achieving the initial goal. - The speaker highlights the fallacy of over-preparing for external validation (like high scores or degrees) while underestimating one's current starting point and intrinsic value. - The concept of "The Waiting Game" involves confirming one's values, identifying potential partners/schools based on those values, and using assessments like Enneagram or MBTI for self-reflection before acting. - The speaker redefines "confession" (告白) as taking responsibility ("I take responsibility") and then giving the other person time to consider, rather than demanding an immediate response. - The speaker contrasts the typical view of actions (like application rejections or test results) as endpoints with the perspective that these are merely the starting points for new directions or achieving better goals. - The speaker concludes by advocating for action-oriented living to manage future anxieties, suggesting that daily actions focusing on one's true values make one feel more powerful and less anxious. ![Screenshot at 00:10: The speaker begins by displaying the title slide of his talk, featuring a compass against a backdrop of mountains, illustrating the theme of finding direction in life, which sets the stage for his narrative about preparation and goals.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/jR3oRv5_6RM/00-00-10.jpg) **Context:** Leon Huang shares a personal journey of striving for a highly competitive educational goal, specifically applying to Minerva University, which he perceived as a monumental challenge requiring extensive preparation over several years. After failing to gain admission in his first attempt, he experienced a significant mindset shift, leading him to re-evaluate his priorities, the nature of preparation, and how one should approach pursuing deeply held values and relationships. ## Detailed Analysis Leon Huang opens by recounting his intense focus on preparing for Minerva University, a goal he spent years working towards through rigorous study, including international exposure and high-level business operations work. He illustrates the intense funnel of preparation required for such a goal (00:03, 00:40). After his initial rejection (02:43), he adopted a resilient attitude: "Didn't get in, so what?" (03:28). This led him to reflect that the preparation itself, even without the intended outcome, was valuable (04:01). He then shifts focus to the broader question: "How do you pursue your values?" (15:56). He introduces "The Waiting Game" (16:27), which involves self-reflection on values, identifying potential partners/schools based on those values, and using personality assessments like Enneagram or MBTI for guidance, emphasizing that this process often takes months or years (16:31). He also challenges the traditional definition of "confession" (告白) (17:25), proposing that it should mean "I take responsibility, then I give you time to consider" rather than demanding an immediate response. He argues that actions, even failures like rejections, should be viewed not as endpoints, but as starting points for new directions (19:28). He contrasts this with the common trap of over-preparing for external validation (like degrees or certifications) while underestimating one's current state and potential (20:15). Finally, he advocates for using proactive behavior to manage future anxiety: "Use action to manage the ideal future" and "Use action to shorten the gap between the ideal and the goal," making action the true beginning of everything (20:34). ### Initial Goal Setting & Failure - Focused on Minerva University application - Spent 15 years preparing through travel and work - Rejected initially, adopting a "So what?" mindset (00:14, 02:43, 03:28) ### The Waiting Game (Pursuing Values) - Involves self-reflection, identifying partners/schools based on values, and utilizing assessments like Enneagram/MBTI - This process often takes months or years (16:27, 16:47) ### Redefining Confession (告白) - Proposes the structure: "I take responsibility, then I let you consider" (17:41) - Rejects the pressure for immediate answers (18:18) ### Action as the Beginning - Views failures (rejections, poor test scores) not as endings but as starting points for new paths (19:28, 20:13) ### Overcoming Underestimation - Questions if people over-prepare for external benchmarks while underestimating their current capabilities and potential for growth (20:15, 21:23) ### Conclusion - Future Focus - Urges using action to manage future ideals and shorten the gap between present reality and goals; action is the start of everything (20:34) ![Screenshot at 00:08: Speaker Leon Huang introduced on stage with his name and a thematic title slide: "What you think you need to prepare, actually much of it is unnecessary."](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/jR3oRv5_6RM/00-00-08.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:09: The second slide introduces the concept of the "dream's target image" as a giant funnel, questioning how much preparation time is needed before applying \(00:54\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/jR3oRv5_6RM/00-00-09.jpg) ![Screenshot at 01:47: A slide detailing the 2019 application requirements \(transcripts, GPA, online coursework review\) contrasts with the outcome: immediate rejection notice \(02:43\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/jR3oRv5_6RM/00-01-47.jpg) ![Screenshot at 05:02: A slide poses the question: "How do you pursue your values?" alongside a graphic of a head with question marks and thought bubbles \(15:56\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/jR3oRv5_6RM/00-05-02.jpg) ![Screenshot at 19:26: A slide titled "Action is not the end, but the beginning" shows three circular icons representing: rejection leading to new direction, testing not yielding results leading to better goals, and acceptance leading to better partnerships \(19:28\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/jR3oRv5_6RM/00-19-26.jpg)