Definition
To 'paddle your own canoe' means to be independent and self-reliant, managing one's affairs without assistance from others.
独立自主，自力更生
Since she decided to start her own business, she's been paddling her own canoe.
自从她决定创业以来，她一直在自力更生。
He doesn't like to rely on others; he always prefers to paddle his own canoe.
他不喜欢依赖别人；他总是喜欢自力更生。
We all must learn to paddle our own canoe to succeed in life.
我们都必须学会自力更生，才能在人生中取得成功。