"El poder se le da solo a aquellos que se atreven a rebajarse y recogerlo."

The core idea of the quote is that true power and opportunity come to those who are humble enough to take on the tasks others might see as beneath them. It’s about the willingness to do what needs to be done, even if it means setting aside your pride. Let’s break that down a bit.

Imagine you’re at a family BBQ. Someone spills a drink, and while everyone else hesitates, you grab a cloth and start mopping it up. No one asked you to do it, and it’s not your mess, but you see it needs doing, so you do it. In that moment, you’ve taken control of the situation—however small—and that’s where leadership and power begin. It’s about seeing what needs to be done and stepping up, even when it’s not glamorous.

Historically, this idea has roots in countless success stories. Think of Abraham Lincoln. He came from very humble beginnings, working jobs like rail-splitting and farming. He wasn’t born into power. He earned it by recognizing what needed to be done and working tirelessly towards it. His willingness to start from the bottom and work his way up is a testament to this principle.

For a modern example, let’s look at a young entrepreneur, Sarah. She started her own small business—a handmade soap company. When she began, she did everything herself. She mixed the ingredients, designed the packaging, and even delivered the products around her neighborhood. Many might think these tasks are trivial or beneath them. But Sarah knew that to build something meaningful, she had to be involved in every step of the process. As her business grew, she hired employees, but she never forgot the importance of those small, initial tasks. Her humility and willingness to do the dirty work earned her respect and ultimately, power.

So how do you apply this wisdom? Start by identifying areas in your life where you can take initiative. Is there a project at work no one else wants to tackle? Dive in. Are there chores at home everyone avoids? Take them on. By doing the little things without being asked, you demonstrate capability and leadership. Over time, people will see you as someone who can handle responsibility—someone with power.

Here’s a relatable story to bring this home. Picture a high school group project. There’s always that one part everyone dreads—gathering research or making slides. Instead of waiting for someone else to volunteer, you take it on. At first, your friends might think you’re just being a go-getter. But as the project progresses, they see your dedication and effort. They start looking to you for direction and organization. By the end, you’ve not only contributed significantly to the project but also established yourself as a leader. The power didn’t come from a title or formal authority; it came from your willingness to do the work others shied away from.

In essence, power and opportunity come to those who don’t wait for it to be handed to them. They see what needs doing and get their hands dirty. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the foundation of real leadership and success. So next time you see a task no one wants, think of it as an opportunity. Lower yourself, pick it up, and watch how quickly you rise.