Thoreau said: "I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestioned ability of a man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor." That is not only an encouraging statement, it is also an empowering one. It means you can accomplish a lot by applying your brainpower and then moving forward with it.
Think Like a Champion: An Informal Education In Business and Life (ed. Vanguard Press, 2010) - ISBN: 9780786747573