What is the Matrix, really? A Guide for Youth to Succeed in Life and Business

You’ve probably heard talk of “the matrix” – that mysterious system some say controls our lives. Influencers like Andrew Tate and Russell Brand might paint it as a force out to get you, but I’m here to share a different perspective, an arguably better perspective. As the founder of stokestartup.co.uk, I believe the matrix isn’t your enemy; it’s a series of systems you can navigate to achieve your goals. Let me introduce you to the Theory of Systemic Progression, a real-life explanation of how to make these systems work for you, not the other way around.

What Is the Matrix, really?

Forget the conspiracies. The matrix is just the collection of systems we all live within – think school, work, or even the laws of the land. Picture them as concentric rings, each with its own rules set by people in the next outer ring. Your teachers, bosses, or lawmakers define what success looks like in your current ring. The trick? Understand these systems, master them, and move outward to gain more control over your life.

For example, in school, your teachers set the rules – get good grades, and you move to the next ring up on to college or a job. At work, your manager defines targets; hit them, and you might get promoted to a role where you set the rules. Even laws form a system, where understanding legal nuances can give you an edge, like savvy entrepreneurs who navigate regulations smartly.

The beauty of these systems is that they apply to everything in life, it’s not just the simple quantifiable stuff like employment and education, but more complex philosophical and self-development elements too. These are the important rings to master if you’re looking to break the mould through entrepreneurship, not to mention skill stacking (spend 3 minutes learning what skill stacking is).

The Theory of Systemic Progression

Here’s how it works:

1. Know Your System: Recognise the rules and boundaries you’re operating within, like a student in a classroom or an employee in a warehouse.

2. Spot the Rule Makers: Identify who’s in the next ring—your teachers, managers, or industry leaders.

3. Define Success: Figure out what they value as success, whether it’s top grades, sales targets, or innovative ideas.

4. Excel and Advance: Work hard to meet those standards, and you’ll likely move to the next ring, and in doing so, gain more influence.

This theory suggests that these systems might be infinite, reflecting our freedom as humans to keep growing. Even if there’s an ultimate “outer ring,” it’s likely defined by people just like us, not some shadowy force.

Why This Isn’t as Scary as It Sounds

Unlike the doom-and-gloom narrative that the matrix is out to trap you, this view is empowering. Most people in power (your boss, a politician, or a CEO) are human, with the same hopes and fears as you. They’ve just honed skills and seized opportunities, often by being in the right place at the right time. Bad actors in power? Sure, they exist, but I’d estimate they’re less than 10% of the total. The rest are no doubt folks you can learn from and relate to.

Take my own journey: I’ve always aimed for the next ring, whether it’s a promotion or a new project. Each step taught me new skills and opened new doors, proving that understanding systems can lead to real progress.

The Opposing Views

Now, let’s address some challenges to this idea:

• Is It Too Simple? Some might argue life’s systems are too complex for this simple “rings” model, with overlapping influences like family or culture. Fair point, but this framework simplifies things to help you focus on actionable steps, like mastering your current role before tackling bigger systems.

• What About Unfair Barriers? I fully recognise and appreciate that not everyone starts equal – poverty or discrimination can make progress challenging. Absolutely, these exist but knowing the system and where you stand within it will always be the first step and can help you find workarounds, like mentorships, to push forward.

• Do Systems End? The idea of infinite systems might seem abstract. Maybe there’s a top level, but the focus should be to keep growing, not to worry about the endgame. After all, Stoke Startup is about actionable business and development suggestions, not spiritualism. See our other guides here.

• Are Powerful People Different? Let’s be frank, power can definitely change people, but most still share your human core. Building relationships with those above you can demystify their world and ultimately open opportunities.

In response, I’d say this theory isn’t about ignoring challenges, it’s about giving you a map to navigate them. For every barrier, there’s a skill or strategy to learn to get around it, and in Stoke-on-Trent, where grit is in our DNA, you’ve 100% got what it takes to succeed!

How You Can Use This

So, how do you, a young person in Stoke-on-Trent, apply this? Start small, work your way through the rings:

• In School: Ace your exams to unlock college or apprenticeships. Teachers are your rule makers; their feedback is your guide.
• At Work: Impress your boss with hard work or creative ideas. Managers define success; ask what they value.
• In Life: Learn about laws, taxes, or local business networks. Understanding these systems can help you launch a startup, then build an empire!

For instance, a warehouse worker in Stoke might excel at their tasks, earn a supervisor role, and eventually manage a team, each step moving them to an outer ring. As they progress, they acquire new skills, increase their knowledge, and broaden their horizons – the Stoke warehouse worker could easily be the next business leader before you know it.

Or take Connect Anything, a local startup we spotlighted on StokeStartup here. Founder Tim Dean mastered the audio-visual industry’s systems, growing his business from a one-man operation to a global player by understanding client needs and delivering excellence.

Your Path Forward

The matrix isn’t out to get you, you must ignore this destructive narrative fuelled by a victim mindset – it’s a playground of opportunities if you just learn how to play. As Stoke-on-Trent youth, you’re part of a city with a proud history of innovation. Use the Theory of Systemic Progression to chart your path:

• Stay Curious: Always ask, “What’s the next ring, and how do I get there?”
• Build Skills: Whether it’s coding, communication, or leadership, skill stacking is your ticket to outer rings.
• Connect Locally: Tap into Stoke’s business community, like events hosted by the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, to learn from those ahead of you.

You don’t need to fear the system. Embrace it, master it, and make it work for you. Your journey to the next ring starts now, go get it!

Ethan Wright

Founder, Stoke Startup

NB: This article proudly features images that were AI generated. If you’re not learning AI today, you will be left behind tomorrow.