Hey you,

The idea of being “self-made” is often glamorized as a testament to individual triumph. Self-made billionaires. Self-made women. But being the social creatures that we are, can one truly claim to be self-made?

A few days ago, I told my boyfriend about my aspirations to be a self-made woman. My concept of it came from years of being independent. Leaving home was a big step in that direction.

Ever since I ventured solo to another city for my bachelor’s degree, I knew I wanted to strike off on my own. From my job quest to relocating to Germany, I had mostly gone it alone. Those roles you see on my LinkedIn? I landed them with no insider aid.

Lately, though, I’ve been giving some thought to the true nature of my accomplishments.

I feel like I can’t really take all the credit. I can’t really call myself a self-made woman.

My successes, while indeed fueled by my own skills and hard work, were also shaped by the people and opportunities around me.

While I have accomplished much on my own, I would not be where I am today without others. Be it family, friends, mentors, or chance encounters.

That’s why it doesn’t sound so “self-made.“

Here’s a deeper dive into my reflections:

Interdependence

Skill and hard work are fundamental elements that contribute to success, but we also rely on external support and input from others in some form.

An aspiring entrepreneur can have the greatest idea in the world, but they will need to network and collaborate to see it through.

A couple in the process of becoming parents, which is a very personal journey, will still seek guidance from loved ones and professionals as they adjust.

Gratitude and humility

To be grateful is to acknowledge and value other people’s help, kindness, and efforts.

To be humble is to recognize our limitations and interconnectedness. It’s about being open to feedback and learning from those around us.

Gratitude and humility serve as constant reminders that nobody succeeds wholly by themselves. They encourage us to appreciate the support we've received from others and to remain humble when we look back on our accomplishments.

Reframing success

The typical portrayal of success is that of someone working toward specific goals, such as amassing great wealth or fame. But since no one is truly “self-made,” we can change the way we think about what it means to be successful.

Success can be reframed as a joint effort that benefits not only ourselves but also others.

Measure success by the positive ripple effect it creates beyond oneself.

Disclaimer: Everything expressed here comes from my personal reflection and experience. I never claim to be an expert.

📢 Shout-outs

The Sample — Each morning, The Sample sends you one article from a random blog or newsletter that matches your interests. When you find one you like, you can subscribe to the writer with one click. Sign up here.

If you sign up using my link, I may earn additional subscribers at no extra cost to you. By signing up, you help spread the word about The Hard Truths to others who may also find it valuable. 😊

Notes:

I only recommend things I have personally vetted/resonated with.
Do you want to collaborate and be featured here? Reach me through email and social media.

Life as an 🇮🇩 in 🇩🇪

It’s been a while since I’ve reached out, and boy, do I have exciting news to share with you all!

After what feels like a marathon (which is why I haven’t sent out a newsletter for so long!), I’m overjoyed to share that I have passed my Master’s thesis! 🎉🎉

This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the support of all the amazing people in my life. You all mean the world to me.

A five-day retreat to Sicily was just what my boyfriend and I needed to celebrate this achievement and unwind from the thesis grind. 🏖️