To make his own way

He wanted a ranch with good grass and water, and he wanted cattle to make money, and horses simply because he loved them. He wsa not waiting around to fall heir to a fortune, nor to marry a rich wife, nor to steal enough to get by. He knew there was no easy way, and he was not looking for one. It was his pride that he walked his own trail, saddled his own broncs, and fought his own battles. And he earned his own money.

(from The Key-Lock Man, by Louis L'Amour)