This powerful quote is another one to live by if you want a happy and fulfilling life, it's meaning is very simple, don't let your environment dictate who you are, choose and build the person you want to be by yourself.

But you may question, how can I not be influenced by my family and friends when I spend most of my time with them? the trick here is fairly simplr actually, have a clear idea in your mind of who you want to be, search for a role model and strive to have his qualities and mental models instead of latching on the bad habits of your peers or close ones, if you have a clear image of what you are and what you want to become, there's nothing that can influence or change the direction of your life.

Lastly this quote also means that you can always rise to achieve your dreams not mattering where you came from, with focus, determination and effort everything that stands in your way becomes simply a small setback.