Am I that good?
Have you heard the expression “self-made” so and so? A definition of a self-made person is someone who has become successful and rich through their own efforts, especially if they started life without money, education, or high social status.
The notion of the “self-made” success story persists, celebrating individuals who achieve great wealth and status through their own solitary efforts.
Yet no one succeeds entirely alone. Behind every distinguished career or prosperous business are people who believe in you, guide you, and support your journey.
From parents to teachers to mentors, our development relies on wisdom and encouragement from others. Their diverse investments of time, advice, financial resources, or emotional backing create indispensable foundations. Through books, speeches, and more, those we may never meet can also profoundly shape our thinking and progress.
True, the driven individual must put in the hard work; without personal dedication, support from others goes unutilized. However, without guidance anchoring our efforts, we risk wasting energy on preventable mistakes or aimless trial-and-error. If we fail to learn from others, we perpetually reinvent the wheel rather than stand on the shoulders of giants who precede us.
The next time you or another receives accolades for being “self-made,” take pause. Reflect on those who touched your life, clearing hurdles from your path directly or indirectly. The strengths we celebrate in successful people — perseverance, vision, skill — were once nascent and fragile, nourished by those around them. Their support transformed raw potential into executable ideas and plans.
Rather than ego, choose humility and gratitude. Honor those who paved the way by paying it forward to others. Share your wisdom through mentorship. Uplift promising talent that may one day eclipse your own.
Everyone lifts each other higher — that is true success. Be Thankful Every day!
Cheers,
Amit
