"Quedarse estúpido. Quedarse pobre. Quedarse atascado. Todas estas son elecciones."

The heart of this idea is that our circumstances, whether they're about ignorance, poverty, or stagnation, often come down to choices we make. We might not always have control over what happens to us, but we do have control over how we respond. Think about it—if you're not learning, it's because you're choosing not to seek out new knowledge. If you're broke, maybe you haven't taken steps to improve your financial situation. If you're stuck in a rut, you might need to take a hard look at your habits and choices.

This idea has roots in a tough-love approach to personal responsibility. It's saying that while external factors do matter, we hold the keys to our own change. This perspective has been echoed throughout history by various motivational speakers and self-help gurus. They argue that your life is your own to shape, no matter where you start. It's about agency and empowerment.

Let's talk about a real-life example. Imagine a guy named Dave. Dave works a dead-end job he hates. He's always complaining about how little money he has and how his life never seems to go anywhere. One day, his friend suggests he start learning coding—there's a free online course they recommend. Dave shrugs it off at first, thinking it’s too hard and he’ll never get the hang of it. But after some nudging, he gives it a shot. It’s tough at first, and he fails a bunch of times. But slowly, he gets the hang of it. A year later, he lands a job as a junior developer, earning more money than he ever thought possible. Dave’s life changed not because luck suddenly decided to favor him, but because he made a choice to learn something new and stick with it.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by examining areas of your life where you feel stuck. Are you unhappy with your job? Do you wish you had more money? Want to learn a new skill but feel like you don’t have the time? Instead of seeing these as fixed states, look at them as choices. You can spend a few minutes every day learning something new. You can budget better, save a little each week. Small steps add up.

Picture this: Sarah feels stuck in her career. She’s been in the same role for five years and sees no path to promotion. Instead of just grumbling about it, she decides to take a course in project management. It’s a big commitment, and she has to sacrifice some weekends and evenings. Her friends think she’s crazy, giving up her free time like that. But Sarah pushes through. A year later, she completes the course and immediately starts applying for new positions. Soon enough, she lands a role as a project manager at a new company, with a hefty pay raise. Sarah’s choice to invest in herself opened doors she never thought possible.

So, think about your own life. Are there areas where you’re making choices that keep you “stupid,” “poor,” or “stuck”? You have more control than you might think. It’s not about blaming yourself for where you are—it’s about recognizing the power you have to change it. Choices matter. They can seem small and insignificant, but they build up, shaping the direction of your life. Make ones that lead you to where you want to go.