From an early age my mother told me that there were so many of us

"From an early age my mother told me that there were so many of us that if I was to get anything in life I would have to get it myself. So I did." – Michael Lee-Chin

In the vast journey of life, one of the most powerful lessons a child can learn is that the world does not owe them anything. Michael Lee-Chin reflects on this formative lesson, one imparted by his mother, who taught him that in order to achieve in life, he must not wait for others to provide him with opportunities or success—he must seize them for himself. His mother’s words are a call to self-reliance, determination, and resilience. These qualities would become the foundation upon which Lee-Chin built his success. She understood that in a world where many struggle to find their place, it is self-motivation and the will to succeed that can make all the difference. Her wisdom was simple yet profound: if you want something in life, you must take it for yourself.

This sentiment is echoed through the wisdom of the ancients, where the idea of self-reliance and personal responsibility was central to a fulfilling life. Consider the example of Cincinnatus, a Roman statesman who, when called to serve, put aside his humble farming life to lead Rome through a crisis. Yet, once the crisis was over, he returned to his fields, choosing to live simply rather than remain in power. His story is a testament to the strength found in self-reliance—he knew that his own effort and independence were far more valuable than waiting for handouts or relying on others. Like Cincinnatus, Lee-Chin’s rise to success is built not on waiting for opportunities, but on his ability to create them through action.

In the ancient world, the teachings of Aristotle emphasized the importance of virtue and self-determination. Aristotle believed that happiness, or eudaimonia, was not a gift, but the result of living a life driven by purpose, wisdom, and effort. He argued that each person has the potential to shape their own destiny by making choices that reflect their character and values. Similarly, Lee-Chin’s journey reflects Aristotle’s notion that success is not bestowed upon you, but is earned through hard work and resolve. His mother’s lesson set him on a path that demanded action—to claim what was rightfully his through effort, not through the expectation of others.

In the stories of great figures like Alexander the Great, we also find the theme of taking charge of one’s fate. Despite his privileged birth, Alexander did not rest on his laurels. Instead, he ventured out to conquer much of the known world, propelled not by the ease of inheritance but by a burning desire to achieve and make his mark on history. Like Lee-Chin, Alexander understood that success does not come without effort. One must be willing to take the risks, seize the opportunities, and claim the rewards through action. The world does not hand success to anyone; it must be earned through the strength of will and the courage to take initiative.

The wisdom in Lee-Chin’s reflection also highlights an important truth about opportunity: it is not something that arrives in a neat package, waiting to be opened. Rather, it is something that must be sought out and created. Throughout history, those who have succeeded—whether in battle, in business, or in life—are those who recognized that opportunity is often hidden or disguised in challenges, and it requires action to reveal it. Take, for example, Thomas Edison, who failed many times before he finally succeeded in inventing the lightbulb. Edison’s drive to create was not about waiting for things to be handed to him, but about continuously pushing forward, experimenting, and creating new opportunities until he found success.

Lee-Chin’s mother’s advice is a powerful reminder that life will not simply give us what we want. Instead, we must earn it through effort, determination, and a willingness to take risks. Her words speak to the timeless truth that self-reliance and independent action are the keys to unlocking one’s potential. This lesson encourages us to move beyond a mindset of waiting or expecting, and to adopt a mentality of initiative—one that is defined not by what we hope others will provide, but by what we are willing to create and work for ourselves.

The lesson here is clear: self-reliance is the cornerstone of success. If we desire something in life, we must claim it, not expect it to come to us. Let this lesson guide us in our own lives—whether in career, education, or personal growth. Instead of waiting for the world to hand us success, we must take initiative, seize opportunities, and work tirelessly toward our goals. Like Lee-Chin, we must understand that nothing worth having comes without effort, and that we have the power to shape our own destiny by acting boldly and resolutely. In this, we find not only success but also a life filled with purpose, achievement, and meaning.