What To Do When Success Isn’t Happening Fast Enough
How much time do you spend daydreaming about what your life will be like when you’re successful – however it is that you define it? Most of us are excited to get to the end result – a thriving business, nonprofit, ministry, book, speaking career, or whatever it is that you’re after. Here’s the question: Are you just as excited about laying the groundwork needed to get there?
In Proverbs – the book of wisdom – chapter 24:27 tells us to finish our outdoor work and get our fields ready BEFORE we build our house. Building a professional life that you will enjoy isn’t all fun and games. And although it’s a wise practice to focus on the aspects that you’re good at and enjoy, that doesn’t excuse you from other critical steps of the process.
As a professional speaker and trainer, I’m often approached by people who would like to do what I’m doing. When I hit the stage, people may see a “great speaker that taught us life-changing information”. But what they don’t often consider is the years that went into building my brand and acquiring the knowledge that I’m now able to share with people around the world. I’ve invested thousands of dollars in coaching and training, read hundreds of books, and spend numerous hours each week creating and sharing valuable information with the people connected to me online. There were also countless changes I had to make personally, financially and spiritually to be where I am today. The process didn’t always feel good, but it was necessary.
I don’t say all of this to discourage you. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Right now you may be feeling like things aren’t happening fast enough. Success seems to be sprouting up all over the place for people around you and you’re wondering when it will be your turn.
Don’t give up.
This is the place where most people throw in the towel. It feels too difficult. It’s happening too slowly. You may even be questioning if it’s what you’re supposed to be doing at all. Perhaps things aren’t moving as fast as you expected because you still have more outdoor work to do.
YOUR ASSIGNMENT IS TO ANSWER THESE TWO QUESTIONS:
- What is your outdoor work? Is it researching the industry you want to move into or clients you’re looking to serve? What are you doing now to build relationships with people who could be vital to your success?
- What do you need to do to get your fields ready? As you anticipate how success will impact your life, what do you need to do now to prepare for it, personally, professionally, financially and spiritually?
Watching the walls of the house go up is exciting, but the prep work will make sure you can move into and enjoy your house once it is built. Don’t despise today’s “grunt work”. Keep your eyes fixed on the end result and remember that you’re working ON PURPOSE!
