Chapter 1: The Value of Patience

Over the past decade of being self-employed, one critical lesson has consistently resonated with me: achieving anything worthwhile often requires more time than anticipated. This isn't merely a saying; it’s a truth I’ve experienced firsthand.

Every initiative I have undertaken in my career has demanded years of effort just to gain traction, let alone reach a level I would consider successful. After completing my studies and a brief period of uncertainty, I co-founded a small enterprise focused on crafting customized furniture and fixtures for restaurants, cafes, and bars. To be honest, I assumed it would be straightforward. I envisioned converting a few friends who owned businesses into clients, building a portfolio, and quickly amassing wealth. However, the reality was far from that fantasy. It took four arduous years to establish even a modest reputation locally, only to see it all unravel due to the pandemic.

The same slow progression was evident in my writing journey. From the outset, I recognized my talent for writing. My academic background had equipped me well, and I was eager to get back to creating. I thought it would be an uncomplicated endeavor: write a few articles, hit upon a viral sensation, and then effortlessly secure a 10-book publishing contract. Yet, the actual experience was starkly different. In the seven years since I began writing, I’ve produced thousands of words and countless articles, but it took a good four years before I saw any indication that writing could evolve into a viable career.

The narrative continued with my editorial responsibilities. I served as Editor-in-Chief at a publication, held an editorial role at Medium, and took on freelance editing and ghostwriting tasks. However, these opportunities were often temporary, and no matter how skilled I was, building a reputation as an editor took longer than I had envisioned. Only recently, with a position as the editorial lead for a marketing agency, have I begun to feel like this could be a sustainable career path.

The "10-year overnight success" saga is my reality. After more than a decade of effort across four different ventures, I am only now sensing the rewards of my labor.

This is the often-unforgiving truth of building something from scratch: worthwhile endeavors take time—often much longer than you expect and certainly more than you wish.

However, I've also come to understand that if a project feels like it’s dragging on, that’s a sign you’re progressing. It indicates you’re on the right path. Good things don’t happen swiftly, and they definitely aren’t achieved easily. But don’t let this discourage you; instead, embrace the journey.

As you scale your metaphorical mountain, take a moment to pause and shift your focus from the relentless chase for success. Look at the broader picture: this journey is not a direct route from start to finish.

Each new venture represents a lengthy learning process, filled with growth, connections, and thrilling opportunities—many of which are more gratifying than the success you seek.

Make the most of your experiences along the way, and remember that success ultimately comes to those who persevere long enough to earn it.

Debbie Millman discusses the importance of patience in pursuing your goals, emphasizing that meaningful achievements take time.

Chapter 2: Embracing the Process

In this video, insights are shared on how starting poorly can lead to improvement and eventual success, reinforcing the value of persistence.