"I think having got this far being self-taught I’m doing okay."

Being self-taught can be a powerful thing. This quote gets at the heart of that idea by expressing a sense of accomplishment and self-assurance. It’s like saying, "Look how far I’ve come on my own—I'm doing pretty well." It speaks to the journey of learning without formal instruction and the satisfaction that comes from self-made progress.

Historically, many people have taken pride in being self-taught. Think about the likes of Benjamin Franklin or even more contemporary examples like Steve Jobs. They didn’t follow the traditional paths but still managed to achieve great things. It's a reminder that you don’t always need a teacher or a classroom to learn something valuable. Sometimes, all you need is curiosity, determination, and a bit of grit.

Take the story of Sarah, for instance. Sarah always loved art, but she didn’t have the money to attend art school. Instead, she relied on YouTube tutorials, free online courses, and a lot of trial and error. It wasn’t easy. She spent countless hours practicing, making mistakes, and learning from them. But eventually, her hard work paid off. She started an Instagram account to showcase her work, and before she knew it, she had a following. People began commissioning her for custom pieces, and now, she’s a full-time artist. Sarah’s journey shows that being self-taught doesn't mean you’re at a disadvantage—it means you’re resourceful and driven.

So how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? First, embrace the idea that you don’t need formal training to start learning something new. Be proactive. Dive into resources available online, whether it's videos, articles, or forums. Set small, achievable goals to keep yourself motivated. And most importantly, be patient with yourself. Progress might be slow, but it’s still progress.

Let’s paint a scenario to make this more relatable. Imagine you’re at a coffee shop (our favorite spot for deep conversations). Your friend, let’s call him Mike, is frustrated. "I want to learn guitar," he says, "but I can’t afford lessons." You take a sip of your coffee and tell him about Sarah. "Look, Mike, you don’t need a fancy teacher. You’ve got the internet and your own determination. Start with the basics. Watch some beginner tutorials, practice daily, and don’t worry about being perfect. Just enjoy the process." Mike looks a bit skeptical, but you can see a spark of hope in his eyes.

The key takeaway here is the power of self-reliance and the belief that you can achieve your goals through your own efforts. It’s about building confidence in your ability to learn and grow, even without traditional guidance. So next time you feel like you’re not getting anywhere because you don’t have a formal teacher, remember the quote. You’ve made it this far on your own. You’re doing okay. Keep going.