Gen Zers' definition of financial success includes joining the top 1% — and they're really confident about making it

It doesn't unless that's your only goal. Having wealth gives you a lot of flexibility and potential, but it is not a good in itself. It can be used for good or evil, and it may require great sacrifice to attain it.

The idiotic things are:

1. to make it the measure of financial success.
2. to believe you can make it.

If that's your definition of financial success, you - almost certainly - will not be successful. If you are on track for, say, an Ivy League education, then you have a realistic chance, with the right degree. For most people, it will be clear by age 18 whether the chance is realistic or not.