🎓 Lessons from a Tsinghua Top Student: The Minimalist Mindset of the Truly Exceptional
My manager was the top scorer in his city’s university entrance exam, graduated from Tsinghua University, and went on to complete his postgraduate studies there. Compared to many other leaders, he doesn’t engage in meaningless competition or unnecessary formalities. His thinking is clear and logical. He doesn't glorify overtime, but instead emphasizes efficiency. When assigning tasks, he gives clear directions, handles situations flexibly, and delivers results — earning the respect of both peers and senior management.
Working under his leadership, I realized one thing: his entire being is defined by minimalism.
1️⃣ Minimalist Learning
He never gets lost in flashy study tools or pretends to be busy. When preparing for exams, he focuses with razor-sharp clarity: skim through the key content, practice past 10 years of papers, and then focus on correcting common mistakes.
He doesn’t rely on extra classes or endless paid courses. While others struggle for years, he passes with just one try.
2️⃣ Minimalist Living
He dresses neatly — not for brands, but for comfort and appropriateness. His desk is always tidy. Headphones, chargers, everything goes back in place. Unnecessary items like spare packaging or manuals are thrown out immediately.
He never buys anything that adds complexity. To him, spending money should simplify life, not create burden.
3️⃣ Minimalist Emotions
When things go wrong, he doesn’t complain. Faced with unfair situations, he stays calm.
He often says: “Don’t be a slave to emotions — put your energy into solving the problem instead of draining yourself emotionally.”
This mindset has always inspired me. He never lets emotions self-sabotage his path.
4️⃣ Minimalist Communication
His logic is razor-sharp. Every time he speaks, he gets straight to the point, structured clearly (one, two, three...), improving efficiency and understanding. He never rambles or wastes others’ attention — which is why senior leaders often ask him to represent the team in negotiations.
He avoids gossip and never makes careless judgments about others. The fewer the words, the better life becomes.
5️⃣ Minimalist Goals
Each year, he sets just one or two major goals. Then he breaks them down into manageable stages. When executed, it all feels achievable. Once he commits, he consistently dedicates 1–2 hours a day.
The power of long-term focus is truly astonishing.
6️⃣ Minimalist Energy
His phone only keeps essential apps. For him, time spent scrolling social media is better spent reading, exercising, or sleeping.
He doesn’t bother with drama or comparing himself to others. His only focus: his own goals.
7️⃣ Minimalist Relationships
As an engineer, his life is simple and family-centered. His laptop and phone are covered in stickers gifted by his child.
He doesn’t waste energy on meaningless conversations, declines unnecessary meetings, and quietly distances himself from relationships that don’t align with who he is.
The more I work with truly exceptional people, the more I understand the truth behind the phrase:
“Less is more.”
I hope both you and I can find clarity and peace in a life of intentional minimalism.
