Five things you can do when success comes too slowly
Worried you’re not progressing as fast as you’d like (or your competitors)? Here are five things you can do when success comes too slowly.
It’s easy to believe we can achieve success overnight, thanks to the countless TV shows, vloggers and entrepreneurs showing people being evidently catapulted to instant stardom. It gives us unrealistic expectations.
This can make you feel frustrated at your own sluggish progress but remember, it’s all an illusion. We hardly ever get to see what happens behind the scenes on these TV shows etc, so we’re unaware of the lengths people go to to achieve their successes. What we need to start doing is focus less on the end result and more on how to get from A to B.
Most importantly, we have to realise that success takes time. A very long time in some cases. We all know the famous story behind Colonel Sanders, who didn’t even start his fried chicken empire till he was 65!
Five things you can do when success comes too slowly
It seems counter-intuitive to go slowly when you already feel you’re going at snail’s pace, but taking your time with a careful strategy could actually speed up the process.
If you’re struggling with the amount of time it’s taking to reach your ultimate goal, then here are five things you can do that might help along the way.
1) Remember that slow and steady wins the race
There’s a Chinese proverb which says ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’. Patience is hard, especially when we’re so used to the pace of modern life. Take your time, tackle each small step one at a time and a series of little victories will follow, which will eventually lead up to the big event.
2) Focus on what’s working
If you keep dwelling on life’s disappointments, they’ll take over and start holding you back. Tune into the good things: What’s making a positive impact? What feels good to you? What are you making significant progress towards?
Write them down and build on those instead. It’ll give you reasons to carry on and put a new spring in your step. Also, make sure your goals aren’t too big to accomplish in the time available, and check to see if you have the right skills to achieve them. Be realistic and don’t waste time on things that don’t work.
3) Make the most of your time
Procrastination is the biggest stealer of time. Of course we all need to wind down now and again, but avoid getting sucked into Netflix surfing or being consumed by social media for hours on end.
Spend that time more productively by swapping out for motivational videos, audios and coaching books. TED Talks are a great way to inspire action. There are plenty of online courses too. Not only will this improve your knowledge, it will give you the tools to fast track your success.
4) Get fresh
Einstein said that “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it”. So one of the reasons you’re not seeing results might be because you’re repeating the same old patterns.
If this is you, then it’s time to shake things up a bit. Take a fresh perspective on things or modify existing processes. Get some feedback so you know if they’re working or not. Continually renewing your vision keeps the momentum going and prevents you getting stuck in a rut.
5) Look after yourself
If you’re serious about turning your dreams into reality then persistence is key. But watch out, don’t get so wrapped up in making your vision work that you neglect the most important aspect – you!
Stress affects your health: physical, mental and emotional. And if you slow down then everything around you slows down too. When you feel you’re struggling, reboot and recharge. Boost your energy by going for a run, or a walk on the beach. Meditation is proven to de-stress, and help you think and work more effectively.
Take baby steps to the success you desire
Despite what we’re led to believe, attaining your ideal life doesn’t happen overnight. Yes, it will feel challenging, uncomfortable and unbelievably slow at times. But understand that every tiny step you take along the way is something to be acknowledged and experienced in order to make you stronger and bolder. Keep going and good luck!
Sue Pickford works for Intouch Accounting, the expert contractor accountancy firm for Limited Company contractors.
Photo by Kevin Grieve
