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Let me drop a little truth bomb. Overnight success is the greatest gimmick of all time.
Yes, I said it. The phrase “overnight success” is the perfect bait: shiny, exciting, and easy to believe. But it’s also completely, 100% false. truth? Success is a series of struggles. A messy, sweaty, emotional, lonely, ugly grind. And it’s much better that way.
I understand that. Who wouldn’t want to wake up one morning and find the world at their feet? What’s really going on is this: Is that an “overnight” moment? It is usually the culmination of years of struggling, failing, and trying even when it seems impossible.
Related: Overnight success as a startup is unrealistic
So let’s paint the myth of overnight success.
When I started my career in real estate, I didn’t magically become the founder of the largest independent brokerage firm in Texas. It’s not like someone handed me the keys to the castle and said, “Congratulations, kid! You’ve made it!” no.
I failed the real estate exam 22 times. Yes, that’s right. twenty two.
Nothing humbles you more than repeatedly failing at something you feel you need to do. But here’s the problem. Before my career started, no one saw the amount of time I spent in this industry. What most people didn’t realize was the countless hours I spent studying, the sacrifices I made, or how many times I wondered if this was something I should strive for. These 22 failures weren’t just failures, they were necessary lessons, and each one helped me learn something and become stronger.
In this day and age, it is easy to see only people’s successes. Social media is a highlight reel, showcasing only the best moments, conveniently omitting the struggles and failures.
What we consume online is often hero stories, so-called “overnight successes.” Today, the conflict between perception and reality is even more common. People online tend to ignore the dirty work. What gets left behind are the failures, the closed doors, and the struggles that led up to that viral moment. You are looking at the outcome, not the struggle. It is now 2024. Everyone knows this is true.
A great example is a viral video of a founder promoting a product. Suddenly everyone was talking about them. Millions of views. Instant fame, right? Wrong. You’ll no longer see the countless late nights, failed prototypes, pitches that didn’t work, and the struggle that led up to that moment. We need to remember what it takes to get to where people dream of being.
This is the problem with the myth of overnight success. This makes the effort invisible. And if you can’t see the hard work involved, you tend to think, “If I don’t do it quickly, it’s never going to work.” That way of thinking? It’s poisonous. It makes us feel like we’re failing in some way, even though we’re not “there” yet. But the truth is, if you’re still in the game, you’re still moving forward.
When you have a chance to give up, you either give up or you lean back. In those moments when it feels like everything is against you, the real test is whether you lean in and push through, or succumb to the pressure.
Related: Be grateful that your business won’t become an overnight success
So what is the key to success?
It’s simple. It’s about always showing up. Whether you’re tired, frustrated, or just want to throw in the towel. Success doesn’t come from a magic formula or luck. It comes from consistency, grit, and the will to get back up no matter how many times you get knocked down.
Another tip: Record every win, no matter how small. Got your first customer? Momentum. Did you have a big meeting? Momentum. Are you one step closer to your goal? More momentum. We need to remind ourselves that progress doesn’t always appear or become obvious right away. Small steps add up, so celebrate them.
Success is not a linear path to the top. It’s a long, winding, messy road full of axes and setbacks. But what about traveling? That’s where the magic happens. The lessons you learn, the people you meet, the resilience you build are what make success worthwhile. The challenges we face today give us the skills to meet tomorrow’s opportunities. You can’t rush growth. Growth must be done in the right way and with the right lessons.
And importantly, the journey never stops. There are always new challenges, new obstacles, and new goals. But once you get used to the struggle, you realize that it’s not just about getting to the finish line, it’s about growing and evolving along the way. Success is a moving target and that’s a good thing. Every day brings new lessons that shape you into a person who can handle what comes next.
Related Article: 5 Inspiring Men Who Proved Overnight Success Is BS
You also have to learn how to be comfortable with discomfort. Success isn’t about avoiding the difficult parts, it’s about facing them head-on and continuing to push through. What about discomfort? That’s where growth comes from. Embrace it, learn from it, and use it to inform your next move.
So the next time you feel like giving up because things aren’t moving fast enough, remember this: Success has nothing to do with schedules. It values your effort, persistence, and ability to keep moving forward when the going gets tough.
Overnight success is a myth. But what about real success? It is tough. And it’s absolutely worth it. Keep going, buckle up, and embrace the chaos. Because that’s where the magic happens. It’s not the destination that matters. How you handle the process determines your success.