"He who waits upon fortune is never sure of a dinner."

Relying on luck to get by is unreliable. If you're always waiting for fortune to swing your way, you're probably going to end up hungry more often than not. This idea is all about taking charge of your life and not sitting around hoping that good things will just fall into your lap.

Historically, this kind of wisdom has roots in many cultural teachings. Think about the industrious ants from Aesop’s fables, preparing for winter while the grasshopper idles away his summer. When winter comes, the ants are ready, while the grasshopper is left out in the cold. The message? Don’t leave your fate to chance.

Imagine you’re a freelance writer. You’ve got bills to pay, right? If you spend your days waiting for a big, lucky break—a huge client to randomly discover you—you might be in trouble. You need to hustle. Network, pitch ideas, follow up on leads. It’s the same with any job. You can't just sit around hoping that good fortune will knock on your door.

Here's a real-life example for you: Steve, a young entrepreneur, dreamed of starting his own coffee shop. For years, he fantasized about it, envisioning the cozy decor, the smell of freshly ground coffee beans, the happy customers. But that's all he did—dream. He never saved money, never researched locations, never even tried out a few barista gigs to learn the ropes. He was waiting on fortune. And you know what? The coffee shop never happened. On the flip side, there’s Jasmine. Jasmine had the same dream, but she got to work. She took evening classes on small business management, saved every penny she could, worked at a local café to learn the business inside out, and networked with other entrepreneurs. When a small storefront became available, she was ready. Her café is now the go-to spot in her neighborhood.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Start by setting clear goals. What do you want? Break it down into actionable steps. Maybe you want a promotion at work. Don’t just sit quietly at your desk hoping your boss will notice you. Take on extra projects, show initiative, and make sure your efforts are visible.

Now, think about how this might play out in a story. Picture a guy named Tom. Tom loves music and dreams of being in a band. He’s got raw talent but spends his evenings watching TV, waiting for that magical moment when a record producer will just happen to hear him playing at a local open mic night. Then there’s his friend Beth. She’s got the same dream but a different approach. Beth practices every day, records her music, uploads it to platforms, networks with local venues, and collaborates with other musicians. Who do you think is more likely to get that break?

Life’s unpredictable, sure. But waiting around isn't a strategy. It’s a recipe for missed dinners. So, take control. Make plans, get proactive, and create your own opportunities. Don’t just sit there—start cooking up your future.