During the New Year’s Eve, many people are debating which speech to listen to. One talks about "Friends of Time" staying up until midnight, another reviews economic trends with "AI Shines in China." After listening for a few years, I feel this way: initially, you could still hear some practical insights, but now the content of speeches is becoming more saturated, while truly useful information is getting diluted. There are more applause, cheers, and emotional value segments for companies, but fewer practical suggestions for ordinary listeners.

However, sticking with this for so many years is indeed not easy. Both speeches share a common point—they are both discussing AI and the certainty of opportunities in 2026. What’s the difference? One is like a mental massage for professionals, the other is like a business advisor for entrepreneurs.

**AI, you really need to change your mindset**

The most striking statement is: "AI will not eliminate people, it will only eliminate those who don’t use AI."

One speaker gave a very down-to-earth example—using AI to write a first draft, then spending 10 minutes polishing it, saving two hours to spend with family. Designers generate sketches with AI, teachers prepare lessons with AI, even street vendors can analyze customer flow trends with AI. This isn’t some advanced technical application; it’s simply delegating repetitive tasks to tools, so you can focus on work that requires thinking and empathy.

Stop worrying about "Will AI take my job?" That question is outdated. What you should really think about is: how to use AI to amplify your strengths? Delegate the repetitive work to AI, and free up your energy to do what AI can’t—like understanding real customer needs, making creative decisions, and maintaining relationships.

**Long-termism is the real trump card in 2026**

Another consensus is that the era of speculative quick money is truly over.

Someone cited the example of century-old brands—those that have lasted 100 years never relied on riding trends, but on perfecting one thing to the extreme. This logic applies to individuals too—digging deep in your own industry for 3 meters is definitely better than digging 10 centimeters in 10 industries.

Manufacturing is a prime example. Factories that focus on technological upgrades and refining product details have seen their orders explode this year. Conversely, those chasing quick wins by crossing industries or riding the latest trends have mostly fallen into traps.

Stop being anxious about "hot trends." The skills you already possess are your biggest trump card against uncertainty.

**Two paths, each with its own approach**

One speaker mainly talks about how ordinary people can live well—how to slack off with AI, turn hobbies into side businesses, and accumulate happiness during overtime. The perspective is very micro, reflecting real struggles that workers face.

The other speaker discusses macro industry trends and entrepreneurial directions— which industries will take off in the 14th Five-Year Plan, AI’s impact on manufacturing, and new opportunities in the consumer market. He uses many corporate case studies, like "AI is not just a tool revolution, but a scientific revolution," which enlightens many entrepreneurs—AI isn’t just about changing software; it’s a fundamental force capable of restructuring entire industry logic. Factories that upgrade technologically with AI, brands that precisely capture niche demands with AI—these are the true winners in 2026.

In summary: if you want to live well, listen to the first; if you want to build a big career, focus on the second.

**Practical advice for ordinary people**

No matter how lively the speech, only actionable insights matter. Combining both speakers’ suggestions, I break it down into three levels:

**Tools**: You must learn 1-2 AI tools. No need to master complex large models—just pick one relevant to your work. Workers can use AI to write weekly reports and meeting summaries; stay-at-home parents can generate baby food recipes with AI; street vendors can analyze customer flow. The core idea is: AI is here to save you time, not to add burdens.

**Skills**: Develop a "skill that AI can’t take away." AI can write articles but can’t understand your clients like you do; AI can do designs but can’t grasp your brand’s essence. In this era of silicon-based and carbon-based collaboration, "craftsmanship + emotional intelligence" are the real assets.

**Mindset**: Don’t follow trends blindly or get anxious. Deepen your expertise in your own field. Seeing others make money with AI and rushing in, or wanting to switch industries because one is hot, are common pitfalls. The truth is: excelling in your own domain’s top 20% is 100 times better than being mediocre across ten fields.

By 2026, you don’t need to be at the trend’s forefront, nor do you need to live the envy of others. Using AI well, safeguarding your skills, and steadily moving forward step by step—that’s the most reliable way for ordinary people to turn the tide.