As a teenager, I always dreamed of being completely self-made; I wanted to reach my goals with the satisfaction of knowing I had done so, solely by my own efforts. I wanted the pleasure of knowing I got to where I wanted, without anyone’s help.

Thinking back now… I find humor in my teenage thoughts.

Although it’s true that I spent years preparing and building myself and my business, I stood on the shoulders of giants to get here.

The success in my life is possible because of a foundation built from others.

I have an amazing family who’s always believed in me and shown tremendous support. In addition, there’s been countless entrepreneurs, authors, and speakers who’ve helped shape my way of thinking.

And of course, there’s always that kind soul, who shows up just at the right moment, to point a finger in the right direction.

Looking back now, things turned out to be way more connected than I had ever thought.

Sure, I had some ambition, but I can’t honestly imagine being in the position I am now, if it wasn’t for all the knowledge and encouragement that came my way.

The influence from those who supported my growth made what I do now possible.

Realizing that the very same giants who supported me, were just like me at one point (all with weaknesses not to be judged on, and strengths/disciplines to learn from), made it that much easier to believe in the possibility.

Had I not been aware of the signals, I wouldn’t have been able to effectively position myself the way I have today.

I still have a super long way to go, and a lifetime to learn; and I’m forever grateful for the interdependence that exists in the systems we’re apart of.

All in all, possibly the greatest thing I’ve learned is that we’re more alike and interdependent than we sometimes think.