Most people would consider $400,000 a year a success. But not Grant Cardone. In a viral TikTok clip, he said, “If I made $400 grand a year, I would be embarrassed with myself as a husband, a father, basically as a human being.” Cardone argued that $35,000 a month isn’t enough and claimed, “Anybody can make $400 grand a year. All you’ve got to do is show up.” Facing backlash, he doubled down in a follow-up video, clarifying he was targeting people in insurance. “If the guy next to you is making $4 million and you’re making $400K, you should be ashamed,” he said. To Cardone, it’s motivation. To many others, it’s a slap in the face. After all, $400K puts someone in the top 3% of earners. The average U.S. worker earns around $75K a year—and most would call $400K life-changing. But in Cardone’s world, success isn’t about comfort—it’s about beating the guy next to you. Unlock our premium newsletters for free — just DM or comment the word “news.”