I think the most important thing I’ve ever learned from my mom [by her example] is that if you have an idea or a project that you believe in you have to internalize the necessary work to accomplish the goal, take responsibility for all of its aspects and get to work. If you wait for someone’s permission or help you’ll never get it off the ground. Its a mature and pragmatic form of initiative and it isn’t flashy or earth-shattering, but it’s a quality which is great for the long-haul, which is more useful anyway.