Peter Thiel isn’t your typical entrepreneur.

Imagine standing in a room full of doors. Crowds are pushing and shoving to get through the most obvious one, convinced it’s their only path to success. Now picture someone quietly slipping through a different door, one no one else noticed. That person isn’t just avoiding competition—they’re redefining the game. That’s Peter Thiel.

When I first learned about Peter Thiel, it felt like unlocking a new way of thinking. This wasn’t just another “success story.” He had this almost rebellious clarity about what it takes to succeed—one that makes you question everything you think you know about business.

As I dug into his ideas, something clicked. These weren’t just tips for building a business. They were lessons on how to approach life, work, and ambition in a way that’s bold, original, and maybe even a little uncomfortable.

Let’s dive into the principles that drive Thiel’s success, with his own words to guide us.

Competition is for Losers

Here’s what he says:

Instead of joining the crowd, Thiel advises finding your own path. Don’t try to be the next search engine or social media platform—create something entirely new. Think Google before it was Google. It’s not about being better; it’s about being different.

Substance Over Status

Why are you starting a company? Be honest with yourself. Thiel warns against chasing status or wealth for their own sake. A true entrepreneur, he says, solves problems that no one else is willing to tackle.

If your only goal is to build something impressive for the world to applaud, you might be setting yourself up for mediocrity. Instead, focus on solving a problem so important that failure simply isn’t an option.

Plan, Even If It’s Imperfect

Thiel emphasizes action over hesitation.

This is a very practical advice. You don’t have to start perfectly; you just have to start.

If you’re waiting for the perfect idea or flawless strategy, you’ll never get started. Draft something, however rough, and improve as you go.

This advice isn’t just for entrepreneurs. Whether you’re launching a startup or mapping out your personal goals, planning gives you direction—and the courage to begin.

Do One Thing Exceptionally Well

This might be the simplest lesson, but it’s also the hardest. In the beginning, you’ll wear every hat—CEO, accountant, marketer, and janitor. But once you’re up and running, the real power lies in focusing on what you do best.

Find your unique strength, and double down on it.

The Monopoly Mindset

Thiel’s ultimate goal is to build what he calls a Monopoly—a business so unique that it has no competition. It’s not about dominating others; it’s about being so distinct that no one else even comes close.

Google, for example, says it has competitors like Yahoo or Facebook, but in reality, no one rivals its search engine dominance. His advice? Build something so groundbreaking that you become indispensable. If you’re just another option in a crowded market, you’re missing the point.

Recap:

• Don’t waste time competing; focus on creating something different.

• Tackle the problems no one else has solved yet.

• Substance beats status every time—work on what truly matters.

• Start with a plan, even if it’s messy.

• Get really good at one thing and own it.

• Build something so valuable it stands alone.

It’s a blueprint for anyone ready to think differently and build something meaningful. The real question is: are you ready to step away from the ordinary and create something extraordinary?