"Success depends in a very large measure upon individual initiative and exertion, and cannot be achieved except by a dint of hard work"

Success, as Anna Pavlova articulates, is not granted arbitrarily nor stumbled upon by mere chance. It arises substantially from the proactive energy and deliberate action demonstrated by individuals. The phrase "individual initiative" underscores the vital role of personal motivation and self-driven ambition. Rather than waiting for opportunities or external encouragement, true achievement demands that people step forward, identify their goals, and actively pursue them. Initiative entails seeing what needs to be done and boldly undertaking it, often before being told or required. This quality separates those who wish for change from those who effect it, making it a fundamental building block of accomplishment.

Equally essential is the element of "exertion", or the sustained application of effort. Dreams and aspirations, no matter how grand, remain intangible unless supported by consistent hard work. Pavlova makes it clear: no shortcut or substitute exists for effort. Hard work, implied in the phrase "a dint of hard work", refers to the persistence, dedication, and resilience required to overcome inevitable setbacks and challenges. The journey to success often involves sacrifice, delayed gratification, and overcoming obstacles that test one’s determination.

Collectively, the interplay of initiative and exertion creates the conditions under which success can flourish. Neither talent nor luck alone guarantees triumph; it is the relentless pursuit of one's aspirations through action and toil that ultimately leads to meaningful results. Pavlova’s wisdom discourages passive reliance on fate or mere talent, emphasizing instead a philosophy of proactive, laborious striving. This perspective is simultaneously empowering and demanding: it places the power of achievement in the hands of each individual while also making clear the rigorous effort needed to secure it. Through this lens, success is redefined not as a destination bestowed, but as a hard-won prize attained through intentional, ceaseless labor.