Why Overnight Success is a Myth: The Power of Patience and Persistence

In today’s fast-paced world, we are constantly bombarded with stories of "overnight success." But as Tony Connolly, founder of the SaaS company AccountsIQ, mentioned during his recent appearance on Extrology, so-called "overnight" success often takes 20 years. This isn't what most people want to hear, but perhaps it’s the message we need most.

Tony’s insight resonates because it’s authentic and brutally honest. The truth is, we often equate success with material wealth—whether it's a growing bank balance, owning property, or having the freedom to travel as we please. We are sold the idea that we can achieve all this instantly, simply by adopting the latest morning routine, subscribing to a course, or following a productivity hack.

But for most of us, reality doesn’t work like that. You can’t have it all today. Not tomorrow, not next week, not even next year. Whether you're just starting your journey or have been working at it for years, meaningful success takes time. It could take three, five, ten, or even twenty years. The question is: are you prepared to commit to the long haul?

One common theme from every guest featured on Extrology is this: whether they’ve succeeded or failed in their pursuits, the magic happens during the journey. It’s the grind, the grit, and the persistence that shape us. The struggle chisels away at us, breaking us down and building us back up into stronger, more resilient versions of ourselves. That’s where success is truly forged—and all of this takes time.

Let me share a personal metaphor for this journey. I used to be an avid runner, living in a hilly part of the world. No matter which route I chose, I’d inevitably face some tough climbs. As I reflect on those runs, I see how my approach to tackling those hills mirrors the process of achieving life goals.

At the base of each hill, I’d take a long, hard look at the top—clarifying my destination. After that, I wouldn’t look up again. I focused only on my feet, keeping my head down and concentrating on taking one step at a time. I'd imagine how it would feel to reach the top, but I never got lost in that vision. My focus remained on the journey, step by step, until I reached the summit.

Reaching the top was always satisfying. Sometimes, I’d let out a literal whoop of joy—living in a rural area made this possible without alarming anyone but the wildlife. Occasionally, I’d turn around to take in the view and appreciate how far I’d come, but I didn’t linger. I’d get back to running.

That climb, difficult as it was, was where I grew. It’s where I became fitter, stronger, and mentally tougher. Even though it didn’t always feel like it in the moment, that’s where the progress happened.

So, never give up. Don’t despair. Keep moving forward. Life is a process of building on your strengths, trusting in your ability to grow, and understanding that each small step brings you closer to fulfilling your purpose.

And remember: overnight success is the exception, not the rule. Focus on the journey, one step at a time. It’s in that steady progress over time where the real magic happens.

For more insights on the journey of success and persistence, check out my conversation with Tony Connolly, founder of AccountsIQ, where we dive deeper into the myth of 'overnight success' and the real path to building something meaningful. Listen here.