In this powerful clip from the movie American History X, Edward Norton's character is asked the question:

"Has anything you've done made your life better?"

A victim mentality comes with resentment and anger. You attract what you are, and as a person filled with resentment and anger, those are the type of people who will bring into your life. You become a drug addict to these negative emotions. They provide short hits of validation, vindication and tribal belonging, but in the long run poison your soul and move you further away from feeling any type of lasting fulfillment.

In contrast an empowered person (who may recognize that they are being somewhat victimized to some degree) but does not let that fully define them, can find great joy, hope, and excitement in taking personal responsibility and working to progress towards a goal.