I think op did not really make the point clear by not giving us clues about the 1%.
Imo, what I think is always difficult for the 99 is trying a failed process again and again even in the face of uncertainty the 1% keep improving their knowledge to make a difference. As it is our nature to stop whatever is not working or yielding results.
The 99 starts with very perfect vision but quits too early to start another one which they will still quit latter and continue this process hoping for luck to happen to them without taking responsibility and time to learn and improve themselves.
This happens to be the first thing that came to my mind about the 1%.