In Episode 32, Avram Gonzales reflects on a habit from his college years that frustrated his parents—but quietly prepared him for entrepreneurship.

From day one of every class, Avram studied the syllabus like a strategist. He calculated point values, weighed effort versus reward, and determined exactly what was required to pass—no more, no less. He showed up, did the work, but never wasted energy on what didn’t materially move the outcome.

At the time, it might have looked like laziness or cutting corners. In hindsight, it was leverage.

This episode explores the difference between avoidance and optimization, and how learning to identify what truly matters can be a superpower. Avram connects this early “gaming the system” mindset to his later success as an entrepreneur—knowing where to focus, what to ignore, and how to get results without unnecessary effort.

A thoughtful story about efficiency, clarity, and why working smarter isn’t something you grow into—it’s something you often reveal.