About this quote

Entitlement won't create the life you want. Face the simple fact that the world doesn't owe you anything and decide what you will deliver for yourself. Break that decision into one small action you can take this week and do it — not to prove anything to others, but to build momentum. Ask yourself: what will you stop expecting and start doing?

When to use it

• At my performance review when a colleague argued they deserved a raise just for showing up, I said, 'Don't go around saying the world owes you a living — show the impact you've made.'
• After my class posted fixed grades and a friend complained they 'deserved' better, I told them, 'The world owes you nothing; plan how you'll earn a higher grade next term.'
• When my sibling asked me to cover rent again because they were 'owed' a break, I said, 'The world owes you nothing. What will you change this month so you don't need help?'
• At soccer tryouts when a player expected a spot for past status, I told them, 'Don't go around saying the world owes you a living — put in the extra practice.'