"People who speak of destiny have lost hope and the people who speak of luck have lost faith."

When someone talks about destiny, it often means they feel like they don't have control over their future anymore. It's like saying, "What's the point? Whatever is going to happen, will happen." It's a mindset of giving up. On the other hand, those who keep mentioning luck seem to lack faith in their own abilities and the power of their actions. They attribute success or failure to random chance rather than their hard work or skills. Both perspectives can be pretty limiting.

This quote might have popped up in discussions about personal growth or motivation. Imagine someone who's hit a rough patch, maybe they’re facing rejection after rejection, whether it’s in their career or personal life. They might start thinking it's all up to destiny or luck, which can lead to feeling stuck and powerless.

Let's take the story of Sarah, a friend of mine from college. Sarah always wanted to be an artist. Fresh out of school, she faced rejection from gallery after gallery. It would’ve been easy for her to shrug and say, “Maybe it just isn't my destiny,” or “I guess I’m just not lucky.” But she didn’t. Instead, she looked at each rejection as feedback. She tweaked her art, adjusted her approach, and kept submitting her work. After a year of persistence, she finally got her big break. It wasn't destiny or luck that got her there—it was her faith in her abilities and her hope that hard work would pay off.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? First, recognize when you’re falling into the trap of blaming destiny or luck. When you catch yourself doing it, take a step back and ask, “What can I control in this situation?” Break it down into actionable steps. If you’re looking for a job, maybe you can refine your resume, improve your interview skills, or try networking more. If you want to improve a skill, set up a regular practice schedule and stick to it.

Imagine this: You’re trying to learn guitar. You’re struggling with a tricky chord progression. After weeks of practice, you’re still not getting it. It would be easy to say, “Maybe I’m just not destined to play guitar,” or “I’m not lucky enough to have a natural talent for this.” But what if, instead, you focus on what you can control? Perhaps you could change your practice routine—try breaking down the chords into smaller sections, or maybe watch tutorials from different instructors. By shifting your mindset from one of destiny or luck to one of control and effort, you give yourself the power to overcome challenges.

Think about it like this: Life is a canvas, and you’re the artist. Sure, sometimes the paint might spill, or the brush might slip, but it’s your persistence and your faith in your ability to create something beautiful that will ultimately shape your masterpiece. Don’t let destiny or luck hold the brush—you do.