I started posting covers online and having this crazy

"I started posting covers online and having this crazy determination about what I wanted to do and just went for it. I was like, 'Okay, no one else can create my future for me, and no one can get what I want for me, so I have to go out and get it myself.'" These words from Dua Lipa speak with fierce determination, the kind of resolve that has echoed throughout the ages. Lipa’s journey reveals a timeless truth—that the future is not something that simply unfolds on its own; it must be created with purpose, drive, and an unwavering commitment to one’s own vision. The idea that no one can shape your destiny but yourself is as old as the concept of heroism itself. The ancients understood this deeply—the path to greatness is carved by those who dare to take action, who refuse to wait for circumstances to change, and who are willing to work relentlessly toward their goals.

In the ancient world, the heroes of Greek mythology were often depicted as individuals who did not wait for their fates to be handed to them, but rather chose their own path, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Heracles, for example, was tasked with completing the twelve labors, impossible feats that seemed beyond human capability. But Heracles, driven by a relentless will and a deep sense of purpose, went after these challenges, not waiting for divine intervention, but choosing to shape his own fate. Similarly, Dua Lipa took control of her destiny, posting covers online and developing her craft with determination, much like Heracles, who embraced the struggle with the confidence that he could overcome whatever was thrown his way.

The Romans, too, understood that fate was not a passive force. The Stoic philosophers, such as Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, taught that while we cannot control the external circumstances of our lives, we do have control over our responses and the way we shape our future. Marcus Aurelius wrote in his Meditations that the world may present us with countless challenges, but it is our reaction to those challenges that defines our future. In this sense, Dua Lipa’s decision to take action, to actively create her own future, mirrors the Stoic philosophy of self-determination and self-mastery. She recognized that no one else could walk her path, and so she took charge, embodying the Stoic ideal of purposeful action.

The ancient hero Achilles, too, illustrates this concept of self-determination. Though his future was prophesied, and despite the weight of his divine heritage, Achilles was not passive in the face of fate. Instead, he made choices that would define his legacy. His decision to return to battle after the death of his friend Patroclus was a choice that shaped his ultimate fate. In the same way, Lipa’s decision to take initiative—to post her covers, to publicly declare her dreams, and to pursue them without waiting for anyone else to open the doors for her—was a declaration of independence and self-determination. Just as Achilles stepped forward to shape his own story, Lipa stepped forward to take ownership of hers.

What is most striking about Dua Lipa’s words is the fierce individualism they reflect. In an era where many may feel like passive participants in a world driven by social media algorithms and external validation, Lipa’s message is one of empowerment: you must take charge of your future. No one else will do it for you. This mirrors the ancient wisdom found in the heroic traditions of Gilgamesh and King David. Both of these figures, despite their flaws and moments of doubt, embraced their responsibility and took action to shape the course of their futures. Gilgamesh sought immortality, not through waiting, but by facing trials and conquering fears. David, though an unlikely king, fought Goliath because he believed in his own potential and the future he could forge.

The lesson in Dua Lipa's statement is clear: the path to success, achievement, and personal fulfillment is not something that can be handed to you, nor can it be left to chance. Like the ancient heroes, we must take action and commit to our dreams with relentless determination. Circumstances will never be perfect, and the world will always offer obstacles, but as Lipa shows, it is the determined individual who can carve a future for themselves. Waiting for others to change your life is futile—create your future through action, through effort, and through unwavering belief in your own agency.

In practical terms, we can apply this wisdom by taking proactive steps toward our goals. Reflect on what you truly want—whether it’s personal growth, career success, or artistic expression—and then make concrete moves toward it. Like Lipa, who posted covers online, begin by taking that first small step, and continue to push forward. In our own lives, determination is not about waiting for external validation or opportunities; it’s about creating those opportunities through consistent effort and a deep sense of self-responsibility. Every action you take, every effort you make, brings you closer to the future you envision for yourself. The world may not always offer you the perfect conditions, but with courage and commitment, you can create a reality that is uniquely your own.