Replying to Think of someone that relates to this quote...

"I learned this, at least, by my experiment; that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." - Thoreau

I need to find someone in history that relates to this quote and also someone (or fictional character) in pop culture that also relates to this for an essay.

If anyone can think of anyone, please tell me. Thanks.