Social Media Coordinator Liya Taylor’s “This I Believe” graphic is shown above. Taylor discussed her belief that one’s actions, not relying on good luck or signs, is what truly shapes our lives. “Instead of looking for external validation of meaning, I focus on what I can control: my effort, my decisions, my attitude,” Taylor said. Graphic by Liya Taylor
Social Media Coordinator Liya Taylor discusses her belief that our actions, not signs that we wait for, shape our lives.
Hi, I’m Liya Taylor, a sophomore and the Social Media Coordinator for the ODYSSEY Media Group. This is “This I Believe.” These are essays that discuss the origin, importance, and rationale behind people’s personal belief systems. Students will share their personal essays discussing how these beliefs affect their everyday lives, times they may have been challenged, and how they may impact the lives of those around them. This is “This I Believe.”
I’ve never been the kind of person to hang my hopes on a reassuring quote, sign from the universe or good luck charm. Some people look for reassurance in phrases like, “Everything happens for a reason“ or interpret a butterfly as a sign pointing them to their so-called destiny. They find comfort in believing that the world is guiding them and that things are unfolding exactly the way they should.
But to me, that way of thinking feels like a trap. It sets you up for disappointment when your reality doesn’t align with what was “supposed” to happen based on whatever sign said it would. If you put too much faith in these signs, what happens when they lead you nowhere? When the pure dove or angel numbers don’t work?
Over time, I noticed that whenever I would rely on a sign, I avoided taking ownership of the resulting outcome. It was much easier to blame bad luck and failed signs than to ask myself, what could I have done differently? Maybe instead of relying on a lucky hair tie during volleyball matches, I should have paid more attention during practice. Maybe instead of assuming a friendship was supposed to last forever, I could have put in the effort to maintain it. I realized that waiting for signs wasn’t just unreliable, it was limiting.
This idea didn’t come from a single dramatic or shaping moment in my life. It slowly formed over time from the little things: failing an exam despite using a pencil I declared “lucky” or making a wish when the clock hit 11:11 that never came true. In these moments, I realized that no sign, no lucky object and no reassuring phrase could change reality.
So, instead of looking for signs to point me to my destiny, I focus on what I can control: my effort, my decisions, my attitude. If I desire a certain outcome, I know I shouldn’t wait for a sign to tell me it’s meant to be. I have to take action to turn my goals into a reality. If I want to do well in a class, I won’t hope for luck the day of a test – I’ll study, ask questions in class and seek help when I need. If I want to improve in volleyball, I wont assume winning games is going to be a given – I’ll put in extra practice, work on my technique and push myself to improve.
Although some may see this mindset as harsh or self-centered, to me, it’s freeing. It means that success, fulfillment and confidence aren’t left up to fate — they are things I can work towards and create for myself.
Even if believing in myself isn’t as romantic as waiting for a sign, it’s empowering and rewarding. It reminds me that life isn’t just about what I experience, but it’s about what I can make happen. By acknowledging that setbacks and failures are inevitable, I prepare myself for the realities of pursuing success. Believing in myself gives me the courage to take risks, learn from my mistakes and continue to push towards my goals. It’s this mindset that truly drives me towards success. In the end, it’s our actions, not signs that we wait for that truly shape our lives.
This I Believe.
