Son, go slowly, that always where you have to go, is to yourself.
This is wise indeed, he was a smart man.
Many people either do not believe in themselves and don't try to progress, develop and live their best life, or expect it to happen without any personal input, the expectation ethos, and there's yet other ways to proceed in life too I guess. Staying comfortable, in place, within safe spaces, is one way to go but it will often inhibit growth because achieving things takes effort and the ability to get outside of one's comfort zones.
I think you're an acorn, were an acorn, and found a way, and the courage, to break out and grow...Well done.