John 5:19 NIV84

Jesus says He can do nothing by himself, only what He sees the Father doing. He only does what He sees his Father doing.

Notice He does not say "what He saw his Father doing" - it's present tense. What he "sees". God was active in the world when Jesus walked this planet. Jesus was in constant communion with the Father to be able to see this.

If Jesus says He can do nothing by himself, how can I possibly think I can do anything of value on my own? How much more do I need to see what God is doing, and align with it.