Everyone seems to think that success happens overnight. Young entrepreneurs and other aspiring creatives, artists, etc. try to make their way in the world by following their passion.
“You were not born a winner, and you were not born a loser. You are what you make yourself to be.” - Lou Holtz
Many of them follow their passion for a few months, stick their heads up from the trenches, look around and wonder: "why hasn't it happened for me yet? why hasn't this taken off?"
Success happens far from overnight. It happens through years and decades of hard work. Sometimes the hard work is very specific - if you want to be a painter, then put in decades of hard work learning your way around a paintbrush.
Other times the hard work is paid more indirectly - many writers and comedians tend to have lived very "colorful" lives that were filled with hardship, interesting stories and just general craziness.
A person like that who then goes out and tries to make it as a comedian can say that they're bringing some hard work to the table with them in the form of life experience.
No matter the craft you choose, this always remains the same: you are not born a natural winner and you were not born to be a loser. Only you can decide whether you win or lose.
You make that decision every day in the habits you choose, the skills you pursue, the passion you exude.
Only you can take the leap to success. Only you can follow the path and find your way.
If you always expect things to come too soon, then you will be forever disappointed when they take longer than you expected.
If you always expect things to take too long, then you will be forever disappointed when you aren't motivated enough to work hard and make them a reality.
Everyone's life comes down to the choices they make, the work they pursue, the craft they choose, the passion they have... It's all in your control, so do something about it!!
Are you spending your time pursuing things that are interesting to you? That you're passionate about? What are those things? Let me know in the comments below!