A real winner is the one who has the ability to find success by self; who chases success at his/her own will, and never gives a chance to attribute credit of his/her success to his/her referees. No matter how slow he/she goes; how painful are the financial issues; how long it takes to find self; and how likely he/she persevere, in the end, the fruits of success would give enough pleasure than the pleasure earned through references.
