Often, I find myself falling victim to the temptation of instant gratification – desiring fast results. I remember when I posted my first social media update, eagerly expecting it to go viral the very next day. However, the reality is that success is usually a slow burn. And when you don’t see the immediate results, it can be disheartening. The crickets you hear in response, the lack of views or engagement, can feel like a personal failure. It’s as if you’re stuck in the Greek myth of Sisyphus, endlessly pushing a boulder uphill. But here’s the catch – success doesn’t happen overnight. Sometimes, there’s a stroke of luck that leads to instant success, but even that comes with the pressure of maintaining it.
Most things in life, I’ve come to realise, are the result of years of hard work, persistence, and gradual growth. The rewards and recognition that follow are the product of consistency over time.
One key lesson I’ve learned is how the brain works and the amount of willpower required to stay focused on long-term goals. The brain thrives on reward and recognition for its efforts. Whether it’s validation from a loved one, a teacher, your social network, or society at large, we all seek acknowledgment for the work we put in. This is what drives us to wake up earlier, work longer hours, or push ourselves beyond our comfort zones. We aim for these rewards because, years or even decades later, we want to look back and tell our story. We want to be the heroes of our own narratives – the ones who overcame adversity, seized opportunities, built meaningful lives, found love, or created happiness.
The secret to sustaining long-term success is to embrace the journey, including all the frustration, irritation, and self-doubt that comes with it. In other words, feel the pain and fear, but keep going anyway. The true fulfilment doesn’t lie in the external rewards like money or fame. Instead, it’s found in the process itself – the state of flow that brings a deep, almost sublime joy. Success is a by-product of this flow, and recognition will naturally follow from years of consistency, adaptability, and resilience.
So, don’t seek recognition. Let it come to you as the natural result of your commitment, not as something you chase.
In the meantime, I recommend keeping balance in your life. Pursue other goals beyond your main focus: health, social experiences, hobbies, and career development. Engage in new experiences. This helps you avoid becoming overly fixated on a single outcome. When your life is full of varied interests, you’re less likely to feel needy, which can lead to unnecessary stress. There’s nothing more detrimental than feeling desperate for results; it only causes mental strain and disappointment.
Celebrate your small wins along the way. Acknowledge the milestones you’ve reached, even if they seem minor at the time. Recognising your progress, no matter how small, increases the likelihood of staying motivated and committed over the long term.
Keep learning and adapting. Don’t be afraid to change things up or approach challenges from different angles. When boredom sets in, take it as a sign to introduce variety and shake up your routine.
Lastly, find a sense of community or mentorship. Seek out people who have been through the journey and can help you navigate your challenges. A support system can provide valuable insights, helping you overcome obstacles and offering wisdom that will guide you through difficult times.