The Misconception of Overnight Success

Sometimes our brains trick us and allow us to think that success happens “overnight.” While I can’t say that doesn’t happen on rare occasions, what I can confirm is that the successes I have seen are usually the result of a long journey.

I remember working with one entrepreneur who took seven years to finish his business plan, and at that time had been working on the business for decades. Another entrepreneur had been working for years when the business was purchased for a few million dollars. On paper it looked like they had only started three years before, but when you dug deep, they had been at it for 13 years.

The point is: The concept, the idea, and the insights were there or being built 13 years before it appeared to happen “overnight.”

Dig deep and ask yourself: What does an overnight success look like?

I remember another business that was in the six-figure revenue bracket for a long time when “overnight” they were awarded a ten-million-dollar contract. The reality is that they had been submitting proposals, learning from their mistakes, and resubmitting for years until one day, one of them came through. Sometimes it just takes time, or perfect timing. Sometimes it is a combination of several things.

In reality, what looks like an overnight success is usually the result of a journey of sweat and tears. learning, and growing.

As you build your business and continue to stay resilient through tough times, please take a minute to reflect on what really happened over the last years — or even decades — in your business.

BEFORE YOU GO

We see our blogs as opportunities for dialogue. Please share your thoughts as comments.

1. What can you do to ensure your success journey is documented?

2. What can you do to make sure your journey is celebrated?

3. What tools have you used to document and celebrate your successes?

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